FIC: A Dream of Waking (Harry/Draco, Blaise/Draco)

[bottomdraco-mod.livejournal.com]

Title: A Dream of Waking
Author: eidheann_writes
Prompt: PROMPT # 51
Adapted from: The Painted Veil
Pairing: Harry/Draco, Blaise/Draco
Word Count: ~16,000
Rating: NC-17
Contains: angst, infidelity, mpreg, all as per the prompt. Also, Pansy, who wasn’t prompted, but deserves a warning label nonetheless. Otherwise, there's a bit of dirty-ish sex and some entirely made up potions theory.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter characters are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended.
Notes: Dearest tsuki_13, you don’t know me, but I think I may love you a little. When I saw this prompt I needed it. Seriously, all during the initial prompting comments, I watched it and went MINE! It so closely matches my likes I couldn’t pass it up, even though I’ve thought multiple times during the writing that I probably should have. ;) This fic ended up being slightly more inspired by than directly adapted, but I hope you don't mind. But thank you, thank you, thank you for prompting.

Huge thanks to the mods for their patience with me, especially once January came around and I started seriously spamming them. (xx appleling. And cookies to icicle33 who took pity on my flailings and volunteered to brave my run-on sentences and love of adverbs to beta this beastie. You are amazing and I love you.) To OM, who went WAY above and beyond the call of duty, first with the cheerleading, then the pre-reading and finally a wee bit of britpicking so I could get my insults just right, and even promising to make certain this gets turned in if certain bits of my life conspire against me, even though the warnings for this fic pretty much make a map of her squicks. SORRY! I’ll write you something without any warning labels! Sometime in the future! I swear!

Title taken from Aristotle: Hope is the dream of a waking man.
Summary: "You always were contrary. Had I known you’d jump into an engagement with the first person you spoke to after our little tête-à-tête, I might have been gentler with my persuasion."


A Dream of Waking

Comments

[drarryisgreen]

I absolutely enjoyed this!!! So good. I love happy endings. I am such a sap :)

[eidheann_writes]

Thank you so much. <3

The original source was an unhappy ending, but I just couldn't do it. It felt like it would lose the point of being a story of growth, forgiveness, & redemption without it. And I hate hopelessness :(

[drarryisgreen]

That's why I was extra happy at the happy ending. I love forgiveness / redemption stories ♥

[shikurai17.livejournal.com]

This was very lovely. I enjoyed the fic.

[eidheann_writes]

Thank you. I'll admit to loving it as well ;) <3

[bella526.livejournal.com]

I'm not usually an infidelity fan, but this was really well done & was so absorbing! I loved the rawness as they struggled through the aftermath & the ending was perfect. I particularly liked that the child was biologically Blaise's, but she was fully Harry's (not a neat, predictable end). *^_^*

[eidheann_writes]

Thank you. <3

I'm a HUGE infidelity fan, so when I saw the prompt I just couldn't resist. I'm glad that this worked for you, even given the subject matter being something you don't usually read and enjoy.

[capitu]

Wow.

*deep breath*

Okay. You had me glued to the screen. The reactions I had through the story, you just can't imagine!

The shocked Oh!s. Several times I had to stop and touch my chest and hope, hope for the best. Jesus.

God, this was such a ride. Such an emotional ride.

It was lovely. Angsty, too! I was all tearful through so much of this, but so happy they found their happily ever after together. You did a fantastic job. I haven't seen The Painted Veil, but this story was wonderful. So very touching. I loved it.

[eidheann_writes]

You are amazing and I love you. Just had to get that said right off. <3 And congratulations on your psychic powers of guessing!

I am very very glad you enjoyed this.

A Dream of Waking by Anonymous

[livejournal.livejournal.com]

User capitu referenced to your post from A Dream of Waking by Anonymous (http://my-drarry-recs.livejournal.com/224056.html) saying: [...] Title: A Dream of Waking [...]

[fantasyfiend09.livejournal.com]

This was wonderful. I was nervous about the infidelity warning, but you handled the (for me, squicky) topic so delicately that I found Draco's actions forgiveable. Not easily forgiveable, but ultimately forgiveable.

There was so much delicious angst in this. I love the way Draco and Harry's relationship required a realistic amount of work. It was also lovely how Draco seemed to be growing as he found meaningful work and love.

The ending, especially with Vi's colouring, was perfect. You nicely conveyed how close Draco and Harry had become with little details like Draco leaning into Harry's strength and the fact that Harry thanked him in the end. Brilliant work.

[eidheann_writes]

Thank you <3 You are lovely.

I think going into this, it was a huge eye-opener that infidelity was so squicky to so many people. I knew not everyone was a fan, but I guess I underestimated how disturbed people could be by it.

The fact that you found it readable, and Draco ultimately forgiveable, I credit 100% to omi_ohmy, who rode me pretty hard to make certain he never tipped over into truly unlikeable, even when he was doing horrible things.

[fantasyfiend09.livejournal.com]

Omi is an amazing Beta. I've been lucky enough to have her beat some of my work into shape.

Infidelity definitely squicks a lot of people. For me, it's about the trust more than the titles. So if someone strays from an unhealthy/loveless relationship, I'm usually okay because the person being cheated on usually is unhappy in the relationship as well (or should know something is wrong).

That's part of what makes Draco more forgiveable in your story: he doesn't realise that Harry has feelings for him. It's easier for me to forgive him hurting Harry when he didn't know that he could. Once he realises that Harry cares about him as more than a vessel for a child, he works at the marriage, and that makes me happy.

Perhaps those of us who cringe at infidelity hate the thought of one of our dear boys making promises and then intentionally betraying trust. It makes them seem a bit cruel.

[eidheann_writes]

*nod*

I wanted it to definitely be more a sin of thoughtlessness than malice.

Though you know my angst addiction. Angst provides so many places to go in the recovery. It makes the happily ever after much more potent when it requires work and sacrifice.

[fantasyfiend09.livejournal.com]

I definitely love angst with a happy ending. It's probably my favourite thing to read. I just wimp out on writing it lately.

[eidheann_writes]

Yeah. Seriously. Next fic, no angst.

I'll make Omi make me get over my fear of fluffysmut or something. Poke me on twitter "IF YOU AREN'T WRITING FLUFFYSMUT, YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG!" ;)

[fantasyfiend09.livejournal.com]

I'd have to get a Twitter account, so how about I harass you through LJ? :D
Maybe I'll try angst and you try fluffysmut? Not for Smoochfest, but maybe for my next fic.

[eidheann_writes]

well, currentfic and nextfic are all slated to just be posted on my lj unrelated to anything fest-like. (well, anything but people giving me prompts. Capitu is my next "OMG TAKE THIS FIC I AM WRITING" list and has (helpfully) requested smut so...)

*plots and plans*

[claes14.livejournal.com]

Brilliant and gorgeously done. I was a bit disappointed at the end with the child being Blaise's but if I think about it just makes the story more believable and realistic.

[eidheann_writes]

Thank you. <3 I really just couldn't see doing it the other way, it felt like it would lose all trace of consequence.

[mab.livejournal.com]

A very entertaining and enjoyable read. I loved the potion research and how everything came together. The infidelity was handled well and realistically and I'm so happy with the ending! I loved this line: She is Harry’s and he is hers. It takes more than a night to be a father.

Very well done, MA!

[eidheann_writes]

<3 Thank you very much.

For all that I love infidelity fics, I have to credit my pre-reader omi_ohmy 100% for pulling me back and making certain Draco was forgivable in the end.

And I'm glad you liked the ending. It was one of the first parts I wrote (following only the initial bit with Pansy *wink*)

[lijahlover.livejournal.com]

What a heartfelt and gorgeous story, it felt so realistic.

It made sense that Blaise was the one to get Draco pegnant.

Though I had hopped it had been Harrry, yet Draco was pergnant a second time.

I looooooooooved the sweet and perfect ending.

[eidheann_writes]

Thank you. I had a huge case of THE FEELS when writing it, I hope that even a little bit carried over to the readers. <3

[drkmgic.livejournal.com]

aww i loved this story. i like the transformation that draco went through. it was just perfect ty for the great read.

[eidheann_writes]

Thank you <3 I'm glad you liked the transformation-- I was worried a few times about the pacing. I'm glad it worked for you. <3

[appleling.livejournal.com]

This was wonderfully angsty and heartfelt! Even more so, with the way you handled the whole infidelity and forgiveness theme. They were both handled beautifully. I love the delicate way you addressed Draco's infidelity. I love that you make Draco so human, so uncertain, so torn between what felt familiar and safe with an ex and what felt new and electrifying (to the point of being scary) with his new husband. And that ultimately makes the infidelity forgivable - not easily forgivable because it was hurtful, but in the end, worth forgiving all the same. I love the way you let us see Harry, feel his emotions (his love for Draco, his pain at having his beloved betray him, his incredible capacity for compassion, his ability to forgive and ultimately the quiet strength in everything he does) and fall irrevocably in love with him through Draco's eyes. You've managed to let Harry say and emote so much without really saying it. Most of all I love that to get to the "happily ever part", there needs to be a realistic amount of work in Harry and Draco's relationship to actually make it work.

Reading this was truly an emotional ride and I love every bit of i :D

P.S. *glomps you, Mystery Author*

[eidheann_writes]

*glomps you back and sends you lots of love and huggy thoughts*

I've thanked you privately, but again publicly. This comment was amazing, and the fact that you commented and got everything I was attempting to say with this story just... *Hug* You bring tears to my eyes in the best ways possible. Thank you so so much.

[appleling.livejournal.com]

Aww! *hugs* I genuinely adore your story like whoa! ♥

You should write more! You definitely have me as your newest fan now! If I have the time, I'd totally make fangirly badges for you too! That's how crazy I am as your fangirl :D

[eidheann_writes]

*blush* ♥

[llaeyro]

WAHH!

Ugh, oh, I was such an emotional muddle after this fic that I left it a week to comment, and I still don't really know what to say. I loved Pansy, that's a start... I wanted to bitch slap Blaise SO much, but he was also *gorgeous*. I screamed at Draco repeatedly, then wanted to cuddle him and tell him everything will be okay. Harry would have also been mentally screamed at, but he had enough going on already so I let him off, knowing that Draco would make him see sense. Heartbroken that Blaise is the father, but he had to be really.

GAH, I loved it <3

[eidheann_writes]

Thank you. The fact that it took you a week to clear yourself to comment, I take as a HUGE compliment.

And thank you for loving Pansy, she was pretty amazingly fun to write. <3 And I'm glad that you loved everyone, including Blaise. I worked hard to not throw him quite under the bus, he's not BAD just...

*sighs and pets him*

[kimuranakai.livejournal.com]

Gorgeous fic.
It is a wonderful adaption to the movie and you make the characteristics of Harry and Draco so cannon. I can totally see Harry catching the flu just to give Draco a reason to leave him. Loved it.

[eidheann_writes]

Thank you so very much. The characters just seemed to fit very well with my personal headcanon, so the entire thing just clicked for me.

I'm glad you enjoyed it <3

[omi-ohmy.livejournal.com]

I am finally catching up with comments! I have to say, oh author of mystery, that I think you have done an amazing job here. You draw such a complex picture of Draco, with his mixture of boredom and neediness, which makes the affair seem inevitable, but which also leaves him room for redemption. I really enjoyed all the details about the sickness and the potions research, and how they can begin to rebuild their relationship around this quite intellectual pursuit, as proper equals. I don't always find infidelity or mpreg easy to read, but it is always exciting to read a fic which pushes beyond the obvious and which is as well crafted as this. So, well done!

[eidheann_writes]

You are the amazing one, and I credit you 100% for this fic working pretty much at all. <3

[fistsandfangs.livejournal.com]

I LOVE The Painted Veil so I was excited to see how this would turn out. Ahhh, it was amazing. You set the scene in India so well and I could really sympathize with Draco's loneliness and isolation. The scene when Harry found out was so heartbreaking. ;_; I wasn't sure how I felt about Harry as Walter until I read the story and I ended up loving this version of Harry. I love how you portrayed his maturity, work ethic, and genuine passion for healing.

Also, the letters between Draco and Pansy were delightful. I just loved everything about this story. ♥

[eidheann_writes]

Thank you so much. <3

I had a lot of fun with this. I adore mpreg, infidelity and angst so I kinda couldn't resist. Though, I'll admit it took a LOT of work to keep this from turning into "The Pansy and Draco Friendship Fic of Awesome" because she just kept trying to take over. I'm glad you liked her, too. :)

[fistsandfangs.livejournal.com]

The amazing thing about this fic (among other things) was how organic the mpreg aspect was. I thought it was a really refreshing take (with it being widely understood and accepted, to the point that the use of fertility potions is mentioned in marriage contracts). I enjoy mpreg, but only when it's well-integrated into the universe and explained. You handled it so well that I didn't even think of this as an mpreg fic. :P

[eidheann_writes]

For that, I blame (well credit) my pre-reader entirely. The contract scene exists because she kept prodding me to say why the things were like they were.

[0idontknow0]

I love Harry so much right now for this ending. The fact that Vi is Blaise's biologically but Harry still cars for her has overridden everything in my brain.
Gosh I was so pissed at Draco for cheating but I'm glad they toughed it out.

[eidheann_writes]

Thank you. ♥

I admit I loved Harry. The confrontation was probably the hardest thing I've ever written. I always thought he would be the type to believe family is what you make of it, so it seemed kinda a no-brainer that he would accept and love Vi regardless.

[geneva2010.livejournal.com]

I really enjoyed this. I was especially drawn in to how Draco shared Harry's work - it was a catalyst that made them seem more like equal partners even though there was a lot of inequality in their relationship they had to work through. Good job!

[eidheann_writes]

Thank you very much. Draco really needed to prove his worth, to himself if nothing else, and it was the perfect way for that to happen. ♥

[golden-snitch12.livejournal.com]

This story really grabbed me from the beginning, and I couldn't stop reading. I'm so glad that Harry and Draco worked everything out in the end.

[eidheann_writes]

Thank you <3 I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I had to give it a happy ending, even beyond the prompters request. I just couldn't stand for it to have the sad ending of the original.