Blood Magic by Gatewaygirl (R)

[bethbethbeth.livejournal.com]

Fandom: HARRY POTTER
Pairing: Gen, but there are various relationships (slash and het) in the background.
Length: 300,000-plus words (yes, it's very big!)
Author on LJ: gatewaygirl
Author Website: Stories by Gatewaygirl at The Archive
Why this must be read: Back in 2001, a fan named Severitus issued a challenge, the main feature of which was that "Severus Snape must be revealed to be Harry's father." Over the years, many authors have taken up the challenge, but none so well, in my estimation, as GatewayGirl did in "Blood Magic."

Started before Order of the Phoenix was released, this novel-length story still holds up brilliantly. Unlike the other stories I'm reccing this month, "Blood Magic" is gen, meaning that the plot centers on something other than a romantic or erotic relationship (note: there are m/m, f/f, and m/f relationships in this story, but they aren't the focus of the story). However the emotional intensity of the various relationships - particularly the initially-uncomfortable one between father and son - makes this a very satisfying read from beginning to end.

Here, from the first chapter, is the moment when Harry first learns the truth of his parentage. It is just after midnight, Harry has been sixteen for little more than a minute, and an envelope has appeared in his bedroom at the Dursleys:

In the light, the envelope was a rich, warm red. The wax seal shone gold, and sparkled slightly around the raised lines of an ornate "P". When Harry broke the seal, it glowed briefly, bathing his hands in a beautiful golden light. Awestruck, Harry slipped the folded sheets of parchment from the envelope. As he had expected from the envelope's thickness, there were a lot of them. He unfolded the lot, and looked nervously at the top sheet.

My dear son,

Harry gasped. He shut his eyes for a moment and found his heart had sped up from just those words. This can't ... A letter from my dad or mum? How? Harry opened his eyes and looked at the parchment. It seemed new. I've got someone else's mail, that's what! he thought crossly. Nonetheless, it was with considerable apprehension that he looked again at the first sheet.

My dear son,

This letter is bespelled to go to the date of your sixteenth birthday, appearing to me, if I am still alive, or you, if I am not. If I get it, you will doubtless know much of the information it contains, but I will come read it to you, to explain some of the parts that would not be appropriate for a younger child. Actually, it's bespelled to appear an instant before your sixteenth birthday, because of the blood magic -- more on that later.

First, let me tell you that I love you very much. I hope this is unnecessary sentimentality, and that I lived long enough for you to know that, heart and soul, but the assurance arm of Gringotts has doubtless made clear to you the propensity of Potters to die in messy glory at a young age.

This paragraph ended with a little smiley face, complete with messy hair. Harry could not restrain a strangled laugh. I didn't know, he thought, but I'm not surprised.

Second (and the reason this letter is necessary), I am not your biological father.

"Blood Magic" is smart, clever, and engaging enough to have held my interest all four times I read the 84 chapters. You have a weekend stretching out in front of you...give this story a try!

"Blood Magic"

Comments

[athenejen]

Oh man. Blood Magic was one of the very first fics I ever read and bears significant responsibility for getting me into fandom, even though back then I was far too shy about commenting on fic to ever say anything to the author. So amazing. Wonderful rec, but also frustrating, because now I want to go back and re-read the whole thing. I only wish I had time!

[bethbethbeth.livejournal.com]

Thank you! And...I know what you mean; I'm re-reading everything I'm reccing this month, just because, and I don't have the time either! *g*

(But you know, you could drop a note in gatewaygirl's LJ or on the last page of "Blood Magic" just to say "Hi, I have no time for re-reading right now, but...")

[sivullinen.livejournal.com]

Oh my, I'm reading this for the first time now and it's so lovely! Thank you for pointing me that way :)

[bethbethbeth.livejournal.com]

I'm so pleased you're enjoying the story! Thanks for letting me know.

[graiae.livejournal.com]

This is my all-time favourite Fanfic. Seeing it rec'ed gave me a sense of glee.

[bethbethbeth.livejournal.com]

*shares your glee*

*g*