Team: AU! (YES! We rock!)
Author:
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dacroPrompt: 2. "Time is Galleons, little bro, time is Galleons."
Wordcount: 11,043
Rating: R
Warnings: Implied minor character death.
Summary: Draco, the Deaf son of a wealthy businessman, has always had the best of everything, including a habit for rapid signing and a reputation for having a short fuse. When his father disappears, the interpreters who have been on the receiving end of Draco's attitude and temper refuse to work for him. Enter Harry, our 'new on the block' interpreter with a heart of gold, exemplary skills, and a few secrets in his pocket.
Author's Note: Deaf: capital D is used for someone who uses sign language as their primary means of communication, is involved in the larger Deaf community and follows collective cultural norms.
Thank you to
djin7 for the vital brainstorming session, to the ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif?v=92.2){kind=small}
hd_worldcup mods for yet another opportunity to research and have the time of my life, to all my AU teammates for keeping morale up and to my beta army: saladbats, joanwilder, lusiology, the_gubette, kirinin and dracofiend. You are the best cheerleaders an author could hope for.Interpreting Draconis
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Poll #1382635
This poll is closed.
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: None, participants: 149
1. Is the author/artist true to their team? Yes/No vote ("yes" is worth 2 points, "no" is worth 0)
2. How well did the author/artist use their Prompt? 1 to 9 (1 being the least)
3. How much did you like this story/art overall? 1 to 9 (1 being the least)
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April 13 2009, 14:34:53 UTC 3 years ago
April 13 2009, 15:42:28 UTC 3 years ago
It was fun to research the watch and explore how it represented both family and the side of himself he was forced to show the world.
I'm so glad you liked it enough to read several times. *hugs*
April 13 2009, 14:36:37 UTC 3 years ago
I'd like a bit more of Harry working with Draco in the company (was that just one day before Lucius was found?) the story felt slightly unbalanced: ie when you said that Harry going to hospital to help Draco was improper, it was bit sudden... But I am just picking the bones out of chicken mince, as the Chinese say. I enjoyed this story greatly, it was too short!! :p
April 13 2009, 15:55:29 UTC 3 years ago
It was both challenging and fun to dive into Draco's personality and try to figure out just how many hats his identity was wearing. I'm glad you enjoyed that too. :)
A bit of interpreting background: It would have been improper for any interpreter to respond to a call by any client without going through the proper channels of appointment booking first and all of that. In the larger cities, there are specific interpreters on 'stand by' who will respond to emergency calls. Most interpreters don't work for people they know unless they live in a very small community - there's too much chance of a conflict of interest.
That said, I did allude to more of their professional relationship after the hospital, but maybe I should have shown a bit more. That was great feedback, thank you. Perhaps I was just excited to bring them together and show the fast-moving chemistry that sometimes sparks between near strangers.
So glad you enjoyed the story, and thanks again for the comments!
April 13 2009, 15:49:56 UTC 3 years ago Edited: April 13 2009, 15:51:22 UTC
April 13 2009, 16:03:50 UTC 3 years ago
I appreciated that Draco's disability did not have a gratuitous feel, it was a character trait and plot point rather than an easy means to pull at the heartstrings.
I'm so glad you felt that way. I've always loved character development and focusing on the identity, the soul of what makes someone 'tick'. :) An ability or a disability is defined by what we make it, and I was convinced that Draco saw himself as 'able', although he wasn't blind to the barriers life had thrown up in front of him.
Thank you again! I really loved your feedback! *hugs*
April 13 2009, 15:57:07 UTC 3 years ago
♥ Go team!
April 13 2009, 16:05:26 UTC 3 years ago
*loves*
I'm the luckiest gal to have a team made completely of AWESOME!
Thanks for poppin' in. Means the world to me!
*more love*
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April 13 2009, 16:10:54 UTC 3 years ago
*hugs and bounces*
April 13 2009, 16:19:31 UTC 3 years ago
Thank you so much for the fic love and pimpage!
I LOVE MY TEAMMATES!
April 13 2009, 16:23:32 UTC 3 years ago
There were two scenes that really got me--Harry in the cafeteria, then later in the night club: one had me teary, the other full of respect for overcomers. The elements of Lucius disappearance, the watch-making, Harry's backstory, but most of all your knowledge of SL culture and its portrayal opened the door for all of us to 'see'things we've never noticed before. I loved the way they lusted after each other in the end :), the saucy repartee between the them, and how Harry made it very clear that Draco's fortune or lack of it didn't mean a thing to him.
I always know when you write a story that I'm going to learn something new, and at the same time find excellent writing, strong and believable characterizations, and a wonderful story on top of all that, one that I'll reread again and again. This one is no exception. Great job!
April 13 2009, 17:29:07 UTC 3 years ago
Your support through this whole process has been such a blessing.
I always know when you write a story that I'm going to learn something new, and at the same time find excellent writing, strong and believable characterizations, and a wonderful story on top of all that, one that I'll reread again and again.
I feel the same way about your work! I love that we find adventure in research and that we are always throwing ourselves in front of a challenge if we think A) it'll be a good time, B) it'll improve my writing chops, or C) all of the above! heh. You've also taught me so much about team work, and helped bait his hermit author out from her writing cave. :D Thank YOU!
Confession: I cried like a baby while writing the cafeteria scene. I'm so glad it touched you.
The pub scene was a section of Deaf culture that I really wanted to share, but at the same time, I didn't want the 'info' part to be too obvious. But as soon as Draco started dancing, I got distracted (along with Harry) and just let it all play out. It was a fun scene to write.
Thanks again for everything. It's always such a pleasure to work with you. *loves*
GO, TEAM AU!!!!
April 13 2009, 17:52:50 UTC 3 years ago
April 13 2009, 19:26:40 UTC 3 years ago
Thanks again!
April 13 2009, 17:53:14 UTC 3 years ago
April 13 2009, 19:27:04 UTC 3 years ago
April 13 2009, 18:52:55 UTC 3 years ago
April 13 2009, 19:32:33 UTC 3 years ago
I'm glad you enjoyed the look into the interpreter/Deaf world as well.
Thank you, again. *hugs*
April 13 2009, 18:53:26 UTC 3 years ago
April 13 2009, 19:33:36 UTC 3 years ago
April 13 2009, 19:43:25 UTC 3 years ago
The storyline is really excellent! I've done basic signing and I really like that Draco's success was a result of both hard work and his family's fortune. I also like that he's sensitive enough to leave all the trappings of 'Draconis' behind when going out with other deaf people.
Harry was very believable and very true to character, despite this being AU. I think that his hesitancy about blurring the lines between professionalism and familiarity is something that's so easy to look past, but it's so him to let it be significant. Okay, not saying that well, but really enjoyed this.
April 13 2009, 20:11:49 UTC 3 years ago
loss of a mother - well, that's just different. Harder, somehow, I think, and it opens up such a void in our lives.
A few of my close friends have lost their mothers this year and were willing to share some of their thoughts with me about how much easier it was to take comfort from someone who had gone through the same loss. I tried to draw from that while writing that section - hence all the tears on the keyboard.
I'm glad you could get a visual while reading this. It was fun to write about Deaf culture (both the successes and failings) but at the same time, it was hard to not dump too much info in fear of boring the reader. I'm glad Harry and Draco were there to help me channel everything through character development! ;)
So glad you enjoyed this, and thank you so much for the wonderful comments. You've made my day. *hugs*
April 13 2009, 19:56:48 UTC 3 years ago
Interpreting Draconis
I can not begin to tell you how much I love this story.I love the images that signing creates, it reminds of stories in which they can communicate by thought. In setting them appart from the "hearing world" it gives them more intimate space.
April 13 2009, 20:03:37 UTC 3 years ago
Re: Interpreting Draconis
*loves back* Thanks, Joan!I'm so glad you liked the intimacy of the signed conversations. I know when I'm out with my Deaf friends I feel really privileged to be sharing the language, and at the same time it also allows us to have a private conversation in public. (I suppose it must be like that with anyone who's multi-lingual, but I think about it most when I'm in the Deaf word) I wanted to give that privacy to Harry and Draco in the cafeteria because of the sensitive topic.
Thank you for your feedback!
April 13 2009, 21:01:05 UTC 3 years ago
Love. it. so. much.
Harry is perfect, even without magic, your characterization of him is just so perfect. And the relationship/banter/sexual tension with Draco is fantastic. I love your Draco - how he fights for his independence, and how he know he has to fight harder than most people because of what the majority perceives as a disability. And I loved the lingo - you educated us as you entertained us, to the point that we weren't even aware that we were gaining a broader understand. Fantastic!!
April 13 2009, 22:48:29 UTC 3 years ago
I think that's probably the most wonderful comment I've ever received. *hugs* thank you so much. when DJ encouraged me to 'write what you know', I never imagined it would be so enjoyable to write, or that so many people would allow me to draw them into this type of non-magical AU. Just reading all the comments today has really blown me away.
Thank you so much for the love, comments and for offering yourself up to beta! couldn't have done it without you!
April 13 2009, 21:15:33 UTC 3 years ago
April 13 2009, 22:49:38 UTC 3 years ago
So glad you enjoyed the story.
Thank you!
April 13 2009, 21:19:59 UTC 3 years ago
April 13 2009, 22:57:34 UTC 3 years ago
Wow. What a sweetie you are. It means so much to me to have you comment.
Differently-abled: indeed. Draco knows he has a few more hurdles to jump than hearing folks, while also dealing with his own version of racism and horizontal violence, but he doesn't view himself as disabled at all. That's something I see a lot of in the Deaf world, and I'm glad I got a chance to finally explore that struggle in a strong a character like Draco.
Thank you, again! *hugs*
April 13 2009, 21:24:07 UTC 3 years ago
That was absolutely fascinating! The relationship was beautiful and poignant, but the WORLD! The world you created was incredible. I would definitely like to read more in this universe someday... *broad hint* :D
*huggles*
April 13 2009, 23:03:21 UTC 3 years ago
The world you created was incredible. I would definitely like to read more in this universe someday... *broad hint* :D
Awwww. Thank you so much. I'm not sure if I'll return to this universe some day, but I never say never. Creative juices sometimes strike when we least expect them! It was a joy to write in a world that I know well, but also a tad scary because I worried about dumping too much information and getting in the way of character development - my true love - but I'm so thrilled that people allowed me to sweep them into this world. For some people, AU is a bad word, but I want to change that! :D
Thanks again for coming over and commenting. You rock (and your fic made me smile so big!) *hugs*
April 13 2009, 22:16:03 UTC 3 years ago
This subject is close to your heart, and it shines through. I love - LOVE - how you point out the way that the Deaf are treated by people who just don't know. I will be acutely aware the next time I meet someone who is deaf, to be sure I look them in the eye and not touch them to get their attentions, or crowd and manhandle them. No wonder Draco acts like he does.
I also love that Harry is intelligent, patient and talented enough for Draco to notice and respect it, particularly with his character being rich and spoiled on top of it all, as well as under duress the whole time! BRAVA!
April 13 2009, 23:24:49 UTC 3 years ago
I love - LOVE - how you point out the way that the Deaf are treated by people who just don't know.
Thank you for mentioning that. I really hope it speaks to other readers as well. Most of the time, people living with a disability know how weird their lives/communication styles/coping tactics must look to everyone else, but they're usually the most patient teachers you could ever hope to find because they become the expert. Poor Draco had a hard line to walk in this fic between his family/business life and who he is in the Deaf world, so I don't blame him for the outbursts and frustration. You're right about having reasons behind his behavior.
And Harry! It was so much fun to write him in first person, and I couldn't see him as anything except a professional who would place his needs second in order to empower his clients. I'm so glad you loved him.
and thank you for commenting, love, and for your help. I would still be writing that post-war fic if you hadn't be home to brainstorm with! *loves*
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April 13 2009, 22:36:21 UTC 3 years ago
Interpreting Draconis
I instantly liked the atmosphere. During the whole fic, the story never dragged.The set up also made for a very interesting AU. I can't express this in a better way, but there was a silent quality to the story, because somehow, even the dialogue felt different - maybe just less interrupted than in a story that has two people voicing instead of signing their dialogue. The use of physical sensations in the club was done beautifully.
You also made such a perfect use of the prompt.
April 13 2009, 23:31:59 UTC 3 years ago
Re: Interpreting Draconis
Thanks for your feedback about the flow of the fic. *hugs*Someone else mentioned a 'quiet/intimate' feel to the dialogue, and that means the world to me. I'm thrilled that came through, and yet I'm glad they were still believable as the Harry and Draco that we know. yay!
I'll admit that I wasn't sure what to do with the prompt when I started. I had a few ideas about using the seasons to portray the passing of time, but then when Draco showed up in the first scene (and I saw how he was dressed for the office) the idea of his watch came to me.
Thanks again for commenting.
(and I was trying to find a cat icon, but I don't seem to have any on this account! *sigh* But here's one of my puppy instead. heh.
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April 13 2009, 22:50:54 UTC 3 years ago
♥
April 13 2009, 23:41:25 UTC 3 years ago
Your characterization of Harry and Draco gets to the heart of what I love about the pairing.
You are far too good to me, but I'm so happy you liked this. If it were up to me, there would be no plot to hold back the author - just pages and pages of dialogue. hee. Seriously, though, I've always believed that the characters we love can pretty much be transplanted into any universe as long as we as authors and readers believe in them and are true to the characterizations. This was a dream to write, and was a huge learning experience fore me as well.
Thanks, again, sweetheart! *hugs*
April 13 2009, 22:58:20 UTC 3 years ago
April 13 2009, 23:46:21 UTC 3 years ago
I can't even tell you how much it means to me that you want to read this several times. that's...wow. Thank you so much. *hugs*
(and I cried while writing that part, so I had to take several breaks before the boys got a chance to wash their own faces. *sniff*)
April 13 2009, 23:11:20 UTC 3 years ago Edited: April 13 2009, 23:13:20 UTC
Have you considered turning this into an original piece of fiction, J?
April 14 2009, 00:05:31 UTC 3 years ago
Knowing your take on non-magical AUs, I'm so grateful that you took a chance on this. Means a lot to me. *hugs*
I loved sharing the interpreting/Deaf world with everyone. It felt odd at first, because it's a world I know so well - it almost felt like cheating to write about it, but I learned so much during research on Deafness in the UK that it really became a new universe to me.
To be honest, when I write fanfic, even AUs, I don't picture anyone in them except the characters the piece is written for. Maybe it's devotion to the characters or maybe it's my own unspoken fear of writing original work and failing. I'm guessing it's a little of both.
I'm an outgoing person, but not particularly brave. My roots are in original poetry and songwriting, so I have been thinking about writing a novel - just to see if I could - but I'm still throwing around ideas and looking for some sturdy straps to tie me down to the desk so I'll begin!
Thanks, again, P. Love ya! *hugs*
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April 13 2009, 23:42:54 UTC 3 years ago
April 14 2009, 00:11:00 UTC 3 years ago
Wow. Thank you so much.
I'm so glad the characters were believable in this setting for you. Characterizations are big time important to me, so it's great to hear that Harry is still connecting with the readers in this non-magical AU universe.
Thanks again for the comments and feedback. *big hugs* (and I love your icon!)
April 14 2009, 01:04:52 UTC 3 years ago
April 14 2009, 01:33:22 UTC 3 years ago
April 14 2009, 01:39:12 UTC 3 years ago
April 14 2009, 01:51:05 UTC 3 years ago
so glad you liked the characterisations. Harry and Draco are always a joy for me to write, no matter the universe, but this one was really lot of fun.
Thanks again!
April 14 2009, 02:13:04 UTC 3 years ago
you know what, lovely? im curious to see how much support deaf individuals get in Canada. hmmm... some research to do after exams!
April 14 2009, 02:26:45 UTC 3 years ago
I can't even tell you how much that means to me. *glomps you*
Deaf Canadians are desperately in need of VRS (video relay service), more medical interpreters and more legal interpreters. BC has free medical interpreting services, but they had to take it to the Supreme court to get it. There's need for so many more services, and sadly, Canada doesn't have anything to rival the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
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