FEST FIC: Shall we descend once more, my Hades - Snape/Draco (NC-17)

[bottomdraco-mod.livejournal.com]

Title: Shall we descend once more, my Hades
Author: megyal
Prompt: #12; The Myth of Persephone.
Pairing: Snape/Draco
Summary: [From the request: Later schoolyears, possibly seventh year | [AU] In return for killing Voldemort, Draco is given to Snape, to become his concubine.
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me, but to JKR, et. al.; this was written for fun, not profit.
Warning(s): None in particular.
Word Count: ~10,000
Author's Notes: I don't know why I had put this as my third choice, when I really like the myth of Persephone and it's a really awesome request. Luckily, I got it, even though I didn't follow it very closely; but I really tried to stick to the main themes. I hope it works!
Thanks to 'El' for their quick beta, and to the mods of the fest for their hard work, especially plotting_pen and westkitsune for their patience and encouragement. The title and quotes are taken from a poem I found online; it and any other notes are listed in at the end of the fic.



Shall we descend once more, my Hades

Comments

[westkitsune.livejournal.com]

I would have to say I am one of those who find Snape (or any of the older gen really)/younger gen generally squick-y, so the Snape/Draco I've read can be counted on less than one hand xD Although perhaps my love for ancient Greek mythology is what ultimately really made me give it a shot.

But goodness, there was definitely no regrets - your fic was really enchanting. The descriptions just draws you in. Teddy with the platinum hair comforting Narcissa was very compelling! And, while I have read bonding Draco to Harry as being accepted by Lucius for protection purposes of his son (which is so very Malfoy), I would have to admit reading this that Lucius asking Snape first to take Draco (figuratively or literally) is 100% more feasible (and a minute hint of Lucius/Snape! Definitely plus points for that ♥). Everything was very believable and felt so real.

And Draco, I really felt Persephone's distress on him. The feeling of him being a prisoner is very palpable, and you just don't know whether to feel angry at Snape or helpless because he obviously feels for Draco. The smut was sexy as hell. Very lovely take on the ancient mythology, and just as convinced me of the possibility and beauty of the pairing.

Thank you for the lovely work!

RE: Your comment on "Shall we descend once more, my Hades"

[megyal]

Wow, thank you so much for your comment. I'm really REALLY pleased and I'm so happy that I slogged through it until the end. I'm glad that I managed to get that prompt, thanks again for your patience!

[androidiordna.livejournal.com]

"You're like... well, it's like the Professor is the king of the night and you're his bloody consort of darkness, it's all quite amusing, really. The Ice Prince façade finally works in your favour, dear."

That's my favorite sentence in the whole story! *pets Pansy* :D

Such a delightful and witty read!

I think your characterizations are what made the story so good. Writing a good "Snape" isn't easy. Narcissa was perfect with her motherly "brittle strength" and her reaction to Draco's fate (I'd have tried to strange Lucius. Screw magic! *evil cackle*). And Lucius... well, Lucius was being his insufferable, scheming, old self (and I love him for it)!
Your Draco was very nice, too. You managed to "force" him into his slave/concubine role without making him too submissive (I don't like mindless!slave Draco).

The secondary relationships were very genuine. I liked the Pansy-Draco interaction and Draco's changed attitude towards Harry and how he tries to hide it (more or less). Another thing I loved was Snape's jealousy of Harry and how he kept thinking that Harry was the "light" and that Draco belonged with him, so he could live in that light.

I think the whole "light" and "darkness" contrast was amazing! I loved the way you made Snape lurk in the darkness in the end when Draco was leaving for the "light" (his mother) and how Draco promised to come back because he had realized that his place was with Snape in the darkness! <3

I'd really like to know who you are, because I love your style! I'm sure I've already read some of your stuff...

RE: Your comment on "Shall we descend once more, my Hades"

[megyal]

Thank you so much for your kind comment! I'm really glad in particular that the secondary relationships worked well.

[ayurubie.livejournal.com]

I've read almost all fics in the fest and i must say this is one of the best.

The characters are believable, Malfoys making the best of the situation. Harry being Harry. And the best of all is Snape. :)

RE: Your comment on "Shall we descend once more, my Hades"

[megyal]

Oh, thank you so much! I'm really pleased that you think Snape works!

[scoutdaniels.livejournal.com]

I love me some Draco/Snape. I was so involved in the story that I was surprised when I reached the end :( I'll hope that you'll write more related to this story someday.

I rarely come across a Draco/Snape fic, so much thanks \o/

RE: Your comment on "Shall we descend once more, my Hades"

[megyal]

Oh, I've never written it before, but I hope I can get out any more of it!

[euphory.livejournal.com]

I LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!!
This is almost exactly on point on why I like the Snape/Draco relationship (which is actually my OTP, and Book 7 can screw itself). You give great visuals (I keep on picturing Narcissa and her garden; Draco with his braid and almost glowing with his skin tone and hair, and his dark robes), and great characterization (the Malfoy family is great, as Teddy and Harry).
Overall, a great job and I am saving this to favorites.

RE: Your comment on "Shall we descend once more, my Hades"

[megyal]

Thank you! I'm so glad you like it!

[kitschobrien.livejournal.com]

This was a truly fantastic read. I love Snape/Draco, and there is never enough of it. And what little there is seems to be mostly mediocre... This on the other hand was stunning. Spot on characterisations. A great take on the prompt, as well.

Teddy comforting Narcissa warmed the cockles of me heart, it did. And the sex... the sex was heavenly. I can't wait to find out who you are, Mystery Author; if I don't already know you, I want to read more of your stuff!

RE: Your comment on "Shall we descend once more, my Hades"

[megyal]

I really love fics by femmequixotic, her Snape/Draco stuff is amazing. Thank you so much for reading and your kind comment! And this is really my first Snape/Draco!

[serilla.livejournal.com]

Really, really like this - like it so much I wish that this was just the first chapter to a longer story.....oh well. Great story. :)

RE: Your comment on "Shall we descend once more, my Hades"

[megyal]

:D Thank you so much for reading and commenting!

[insaneformality.livejournal.com]

Lovely. I really liked this, loved especially the last scene. How Severus waited for Draco and gave him chance to go, sure Draco was going to come back. "I will return" "You sound as if you have a choice." "I do. And I will." This was exactly what I was hoping for when I started reading this story. That their feelings (sexual and others) weren't all because of the spell, and/or they would learn and like to live with each other.

I liked the way Draco called Severus 'Master' at the beginning. There was enough bite that given their history it was believable. Harry, Narcissa and Pansy were characters that I also enjoyed, and Severus/Draco interactions were overall wonderful.

RE: Your comment on "Shall we descend once more, my Hades"

[megyal]

:D I'm really pleased you like this. Thank you ever so much for your kind comment!

[selene-15.livejournal.com]

wow
honestly i am a draco/harry fan ,but i love this fic........

[megyal]

Thank you so much for reading and commenting, I am really glad you like it!

[slashy-4.livejournal.com]

How much you managed to rock my world with this, is insane!
I loved it. Really, really loved it. <3
I breathe for some Snape/Draco, it was kind of the first pairing I stumbled upon when I curiously wondered what the spectacle of HP fan-fiction was all about.
I've been hooked ever since!

That being said, I've read quite alot (different pairings as well) but mostly Harry/Draco and Snape/Draco.
And I got to say - You were spot-on with both of them.
It was a joy to read!

[megyal]

Wow, thank you! This is my first Snape/Draco and I'm so happy that you like it! Thanks again for your kind comment.

[rani185.livejournal.com]

Please, can anyone tell me where to find this? I have been dying to read this story, but the host site says it's frozen, and google seems incapable of throwing up a link :'(

[megyal]

I usually back up everything at my LJ: http://megyal.livejournal.com/347409.html :)

[rani185.livejournal.com]

Thank you so very much! :D

[lemmon-pie.livejournal.com]

WOW!!!

This is like seven years too late, but GOD, it was an awesome read!!

The concept of Hades and Persefone was beautifully introduced with that quote and developed smoothly along the fic.
Also, I think what I liked best were the secondary characters, LUCIUS WAS AWESOME! I think it was a very true and faithful portrayal of him... Also Pansy and her lines, I loved her. And Harry, and Narcissa, and Andromeda... haah everyone, really.

As for Draco, I really felt for him. Going from belonging to Voldy, to Snape (the King of night and his consort of darkness??? OMG I'm flailing so hard hahaha), his reluctance, his sheer slytherinnes at handling everything, it was a great Draco to read, haha. I liked how you can tell he's matured but is still an inssufferable brat, also very true to his canon-self.

I would have liked to have a little bit more inside (insight? insightful? I don't know how to express myself here, sorry but I'm not a native english speaker) to his POV, but he's awesome nontheless, so.

I hope you read this, and know that I will go and stalk your lj now, hahah. The fandom needs more plotty snaco!!!