I've got a first draft done for my hd_erised fic. \o/ Now it's gone out to beta *nail bites*.

But, more importantly, hd_fanart fest has begun!

If you haven't seen the opening piece of art, please go and look, because it's swoony-good. I've been stalking this Mystery Artist for a loooong time in hopes that she would one day draw H/D, and now she has, I hope we're all agreed that we must keep her, yes? *seals all exits*

The Holly and the Hawthorn (H/D, R) is mesmerisingly lovely. I just opened the page again to get the link, and got trapped in its evil gorgeousness all over again. I must have lost hours of my life to this piece. *happy sigh*

Please give the artist much love! Perhaps she'll stay with us forever? ♥

Has anyone else got this fucking Stan Lee advert at the bottom of their page? How the ruddy nora do I get rid of it? I use the internet on a netbook and it's currently obscuring 1/8 of my entire browser window and giving me the absolute raaaaaaaaaage!

HEEEEELP!!

love, Birds
xxx

E.T.A. Oh kayyy, it seems pretty universally despised, and without a simple fix so far.... Good grief, LJ /o\

LJ Support requests

E.T.A AGAIN: gracerene posted how to fix it! Go here: http://www.livejournal.com/manage/settings/?cat=extensions and uncheck "bottom information strip" near the bottom. *breathes massive sigh of relief*

I have so many questions about this. We all know that you can't Apparate into Hogwarts. But what are the ways you CAN get in?

1) If you arrive at the gates unexpectedly, can you get a message to the Castle to ask to be let in (a Patronus?)? Is there a bell or something? Or do you only get in if you're an expected (and welcome) guest?

2) Beauxbatons and Durmstrang were able to fly and sail to Hogwarts - was this because they were expected? Did Dumbledore lower the wards? Or can anyone just fly over the walls and get in? (with a broom, a flying motorbike, a thestral, a dragon?)  Could anyone just swim across the Lake and get in?

3) Do the boundary walls go all the way round and enclose the Forbidden Forest? Maps like this seem to suggest they do:

( JKR's map )
Or are there ways to sneak in via the Forbidden Forest?

4) House-elves can Apparate into Hogwarts - could a house-elf bring a person in by Side-Along Apparition?

5) Are there any other ways in? There are the 3 tunnels Harry knows of (do these all lead to Hogsmeade?) Do we know how long it takes to walk from Hogsmeade to the Whomping Willow? I know Fred and George say there are other tunnels that Filch doesn't know about, too.

This started off as research for a fic, and now I'm just curious. I'd love to know your thoughts - backed up with canon if at all possible :)

Thank you ♥

Is it still the first week of Rectober? Yes? *phew*





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I pledged to do one rec post a week, so here it it is. My first recs are all from hd_fan_fair.  \o/ This is one of my very favourite fests and I always love the crazy, original, hot, crackish and awesome things that come out of it, and the possibilities of all the different professions.

( 4 recs, 2 fics, 2 art )

I'm a bit behind with my reading, but I've been so excited to see the wonderful flurry of recs across my flist this week! Rectober is in full force and it's not too late to jump in and join us. Participants list here if you fancy browsing for recs,using the Rectober tag, and all the info is here if you'd like to sign up and start reccing.  ♥

And we have some rec posts already popping up! \o/

Loads of you have already pledged to post one or more recs during the month, but there's plenty of time if you would like to join us. Just add a comment to this thread or the main Rectober thread here letting me know you're in, and I'll add you to the list.





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( Our glorious team of reccers )

( Rectober tips )


( Get your banners here )

Lo, it is the natal day of that most beauteous lady, alby_mangroves. Yes, this is me trying to talk mediaeval because, *cough*, Merlin, OK?

Right, this is the thing. Alby and I don't really share a fandom. My love for her is like a hand reaching out across the barricades. And so it's very hard for me to give her a proper present on her birthday. So, instead, I present, the alby_mangroves Birthday Crushy Love Fest Explosionathon. (Good name, hmm? ;-)).

I want everyone to worship at her feet enjoy her talents as I do. You don't need to like Merlin to enjoy hot m/m art, do you? No, you don't. Nor to appreciate some joyful and unashamed celebration of the male form. So let me show you around some pretty, pretty things, from one of the most gorgeously nice people on LJ.

And maybe you H/D fans will be seeing MORE of her work very soon *gloating cackle*

( Recs and adoration this way ----> )
So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Alby, you angelic creature! \o/ The boys dressed up smart specially for you.

Title: This Unstoppable Thirst
Author: birdsofshore
Pairing: Harry / Draco
Rating: NC-17
Word count ~5600
Summary: Draco really should know that things have a habit of not going according to plan, especially where Potter is concerned.
Warnings: Nothing says Happy Birthday like extremely dubious consent and hate sex. Enjoy ;-)
A/N: For the wonderful lumosed_quill, to celebrate your birthday. Here (finally) is a sequel to This Monstrous Need. I hope you have the fabulous day that you deserve. ♥

(This can be read separately from This Monstrous Need, but it's probably more enjoyable as a follow-up.)

Thanks a million to raitala, who helped so much with this that she more or less deserves a co-author credit. I've messed around with it further since then, so any mistakes are distinctly my own.
( This Unstoppable Thirst )

I didn't get mine yet, but, looking at my flist, they are starting to go out RIGHT NOW!

OMG, I am literally quivering with excitement. I can't wait to see who I get; I just want to get down in their sign up and roll around in it.

BUT WHAT IF I GET SOMEONE SCARY? AUUUUUGH, lol.

Oh, this is just too thrilling. I am refreshing my email like an idiot. Have you got yours? Are you waiting? Are you excited? PLEASE come and squee and snivel with me.

And here is some love for the dear hd_erised mods who spent all week fretting over getting us all the perfect match, and are sending ALL those assignments out, one by one  ♥ ♥ ♥