I'm in love with this city.  Even though I am currently encapsulated in the Fresher's Flu virus, and systematically coughing out my internal organs--starting first with my lungs--I love it here.

The past few weeks have been hectic and crazy fun.  You make friends fast in University.  So fast that it feels as if you're in front of a conveyor belt of friends and you have to remember each of their names in the brief moment that they move past.  If there are any Brits among you that remember Jim Davidson's Generation Game on Saturday Night TV then you'd know what I'm talking about... CUDDLY TOY!

Oh look.  The tumbleweed of understood references just blew past.

However, between all the bar crawls, the indie band nights, the PJ parties, the nine o'clock lectures, the seemingly endless walks to and from the Student Union, and, who can forget, the real-life drama of University in general, I have not had a chance to sit down and actually write anything.  I apologise.  I have very little time to write.  In fact I am currently procrastinating from writing my essay on Tinnitus by writing this entry. 
I am just giving you an update on my current situation.

I feel you guys need to know that I'm still breathing... in between the coughing and spluttering.

I'm leaving on a jet plane.  Well, not really.

It's been a busy last couple of weeks.  America.  Returning from America.  Unpacking.  Writing.  Looking for accommodation.  Being on hold for hours so that phone had to be surgically removed from side of face where it had been plastered by anxiety sweat.  Gaining accommodation.  Realising it is only temporary accommodation.  Having to take it anyway for fear of homelessness.  Shopping.  Packing.  Filling out forms.  Packing.  Writing in incomplete sentences to symbolise busy lifestyle.  Turning the entire house upside down in search for passport photos.  Packing.

I hope that gives off an idea of my current state of living.  And of course all of this means that I am once again delaying the next chapter of Zodiac (and the next chapter of Beyond Back Harlow Road).  Due to the fact that I'm going to be living in temporary accommodation, I don't know whether my room has internet access.  I suppose you all understand my current predicament.

Thank you.  You have been a great audience.  Oh, and remember this: I am not dead.  If it looks like I am then just poke me with a long stick.  I would probably just be unconscious from exhaustion.  Probably.

So I'm back. Well in all honesty I was back a few days ago. However, this post here means that I am back officially.

I had started this chapter before my impromptu trip to America.  When I came back I then decided to delete everything I wrote and start the chapter again, based on a crazy whim I had whilst on the plane home.  I had to write the whim.  I couldn't stop myself.  Hence the Randomness warning I have given this chapter.  Enjoy.

Title: ZODIAC
Rating: PG (for now)
Pairing: Albus Severus/Scorpius (in the future)
Warnings: Impending Slash, Deathly Hallow Spoilers, RANDOMNESS (yes, I deem this chapter requires a 'random' warning)
A/N: I haven't been able to get in touch with my usual beta,tara_chan012, and so thank you jittrbugg for having a look over this chapter for me.
Edit:  Seems cyberspace has been messing with me.  However, both tara_chan012   and I had stern words with it and she is now back to beta-ing my chapters.  Huzzoi!

Previous Chapters:  01 - House Unity | 02 - A Place To Be | 03 - Constellations | 04 - Kid Things | 05 - Constant Diligence

Rightio.  I know a lot of you are waiting for the next chapter of Zodiac.  Frankly, I haven't started it yet.  If you've read the beginning blurb of my last journal entry then you'd know that my laptop currently has no charger.  I could start writing the chapter on another computer, like I am doing with this entry now, but I'm not going to.  No real reason apart form the fact that I don't feel like writing my stories on anything other than my own laptop.  It's just a quirk I have.  Like my fear of kiwi fruits.  Anyhoodoodles, I believe that the laptop charger will arrive some time tomorrow, or perhaps Saturday at the latest.  Sounds like good news for the Zodiac fan?  Keep reading.

I'm going on holiday.  Yup, that's right. The holiday was a last-minute decision but a decision none-the-less.  On Tuesday of next week I'm going to be setting off for America, and I will be there for about two weeks.  First time I've ever travelled alone and I'm quite looking forward to it.  I bought a Rubik's Cube just for the occasion.

If my new charger arrives tomorrow, then I'll start writing the next chapter of Zodiac.  If it doesn't, then, obviously, I won't.  Therefore, it is very unlikely that I'll be able to post a new chapter of Zodiac before I go to America.  I might, but just don't hold your breath.  Unless you can hold your breath for over two weeks, and if you can then that is pretty darn nifty.

In other Zodiac-related news (yes there's more), I noticed a canonical mistake in the story whilst skimming through Deathly Hallows again.  It turns out Lily is two years younger than Albus and not one year younger, like I had written her.  I'm not going to be changing Zodiac though, just because of that new discovery.  I'm a canon slaughterer is what I am.  "Rargh!"  For that is what canon slaughterers say.

If it makes any of you feel better, in my state of Laptop Withdrawal Syndrome (I call it L.W.S.), I have been thinking up a nice Harry/Draco story that completely disregards the Epilogue.  I might start it when I get back from America so keep your eyes peeled for it.  I have also been re-watching every episode of Avatar: Legend of Aang over and over again.  You have no idea how badly I want to lick Aang's scalp...

The next chapter of Zodiac is finally here.  If you would like to read it then scroll down.  If you wouldn't mind reading my woes, wonders and reasons first, then stay right where you are.

Firstly, the charger for my laptop has decided to spaz its way into an early retirement.  Therefore my laptop is in a state of suspended animation until I can get a replacement charger.  Luckily I had sent my beta a copy of the chapter, allowing me to go on another computer and post it out to you, my avid readers.

Secondly, I've been having University woes.  I have been void of a University place for quite a while, until yesterday that is.  Everybody listen up (and this is the wonder bit), you are now reading the writings of a student of Neuroscience!  Yes, that's right, I have been given a place at the University of Sheffield for Neuroscience.  Huzzah with me, Huzzah.

Thirdly, your chapter awaits.

Title: ZODIAC
Rating: PG-13 (for now)
Pairing: Albus Severus/Scorpius (in the future)
Words: 4,516
Warnings: Impending Slash, Deathly Hallow Spoilers
A/N: Thanks to tara_chan012 for the beta.

Previous Chapters: 01 - House Unity||02 - A Place To Be||03 - Constellations||04 - Kid Things 

 ( Next Chapter )

I have a terrible and atrocious confession to make.  It may shock--hell, it may even emotionally scar--some of you to the very core, but I feel it must be said: I have no idea what I am writing.

I believe an explanation may be in order, and so... I shall explain.

I have no idea what I'm writing.  Ever.  When I sit down to write something--and by 'something' I mean a chapter of a fic, for are not my fics the reason you are here?--I have no idea what fandomical splurge is going to spew out of my fingertips.  It is entirely possible that I get possessed by some sort of slash-gorging demon of literature each time I open up a Word document.  In that case, it is the said slash-gorging demon, and not I, who knows what is being written.

In defence of myself, I do try and organise some sort of plot to follow.  In 'Zodiac', for example, my plot outline goes something like the list below:

1. Friendship.
2. More Friendship.
3. Super Fun Disco Bubble Dance Bungee Time.
4. HOT AS/S SEXETH!
5. Profit.

I'm still unsure of how exactly I'll fit Stage 3 into the story, but I'm a resourceful girl, and no doubt I'll find a way (I'm thinking of switching around the 'Bubble' and the 'Bungee' and see how that'll pan out).

What I'm trying to say with all this malarky, is that my chapters come in bursts of flaming inspiration.  Sometimes just a simple comment for a chapter can change what I was planning--and I use the word loosely--to write in the next chapter.  I may add character backgrounds in on a whim.  I may even add entire characters in on a whim.  I may tear a huge and gaping hole in the space-time continuum, thus destroying the entire universe as we know it... on a whim.  Who knows?  I sure as hell don't.

Hence, I am confessing to you, my dear readers, that I am as much anxious as you are to see what will happen to wee little Albus Severus and adorable little Scorpius throughout the course of 'Zodiac'.

I am also apologising to you in advance for the times when my brain decides to gnaw itself (yes, it has teeth) out of the prison cell of a skull it is currently held captive in.

Beyond Back Harlow Road: 05 - Not A Study Session
Rating: 15 (UK), R (US)
Summary: Three years after the events in 'Stand By Me', Chris Chambers and Gordie Lachance are still standing by each other. What will face them as they journey even further beyond childhood?
Gordie's POV. Chris/Gordie Slash.
Warning: Contains strong language, male-male relationships, mature content

( Chapter Five - Not A Study Session )

Tags: beyond back harlow road, chris/gordie, fanfiction, stand by me

Title: ZODIAC
Rating: PG-13 (for now)
Pairing: Albus Severus/Scorpius (in the future)
Words: 3,804
Warnings: Impending Slash, Deathly Hallow Spoilers
A/N: Thanks to tara_chan012 for the beta.

Previous Chapters: 01 - House Unity||02 - A Place To Be||03 - Constellations

( 04 - Kid Things )

( Next Chapter )

78_tarot is one of those nifty drabble challenge thingies. I've always found them quite interesting, and, since there is no particular time limit for each drabble, I thought it'd be a nice way to write myself out of a writer's block every now and then.

Fandom: Harry Potter
Claim: Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter General

Major Arcana:
0 - Fool	I - Magician	II - High Priestess	III - Empress
IV - Emperor	V - Hierophant	VI - Lovers	VII - Chariot
VIII - Strength	IX - Hermit	X - Wheel	XI - Justice
XII - Hanged Man	XIII - Death	XIV - Temperance	XV - Devil
XVI - Tower	XVII - Star	XVIII - Moon	XIX - Sun
XX - Judgement	XXI - World

 

Minor Arcana:
Ace of Swords	Ace of Pentacles	Ace of Wands	Ace of Cups
Two of Swords	Two of Pentacles	Two of Wands	Two of Cups
Three of Swords	Three of Pentacles	Three of Wands	Three of Cups
Four of Swords	Four of Pentacles	Four of Wands	Four of Cups
Five of Swords	Five of Pentacles	Five of Wands	Five of Cups
Six of Swords	Six of Pentacles	Six of Wands	Six of Cups
Seven of Swords	Seven of Pentacles	Seven of Wands	Seven of Cups
Eight of Swords	Eight of Pentacles	Eight of Wands	Eight of Cups
Nine of Swords	Nine of Pentacles	Nine of Wands	Nine of Cups
Ten of Swords	Ten of Pentacles	Ten of Wands	Ten of Cups
Page of Swords	Page of Pentacles	Page of Wands	Page of Cups
Knight of Swords	Knight of Pentacles	Knight of Wands	Knight of Cups
Queen of Swords	Queen of Pentacles	Queen of Wands	Queen of Cups
King of Swords	King of Pentacles	King of Wands	King of Cups

 

So I read about this thing called the LJ Strikethrough whilst I was riffling through the_ass_ship  (as per usual on my daily bout for some good AS/S).  Being new to livejournal, I really have no idea what's happening.  I understand that a lot of accounts are being suspended due to supposedly 'illicit material' of some kind, but that's pretty much as far as my understanding goes.

Currently I don't think my journal contains any of this so-called 'illicit material', and, to be totally honest, I don't think it ever will.  Call me old fashioned, but I cannot write exceptionally explicit scenes.  My fingers won't allow it.  However, I don't know how far throughout the fandom this strikethrough syndrome will spread.  If anyone is any more informed about the matter then please tell.  I'd greatly appreciate it.

I'm still sticking by my 'No Friends Lock' policy, though.  My writings are open to all who wish to read them, and will remain that way until I am forced to do otherwise.  I'm sticking to my guns, guys; and the various other weapons in my arsenal (I'll bring out my samurai swords if need be, goshdarnit).

I've noticed a few people have friended me and I have to say I feel very honoured. I'm not planing to make my journal friends only, so everyone can read my work. However, if you still want me to friend you back, then just ask and I'll be happy to. I'm pretty new to livejournal after all, and so the more friends the merrier.

Now onto what you've been waiting for...

Title: ZODIAC
Rating: PG (for now)
Pairing: Albus Severus/Scorpius (in the future)
Words: 4,462
Warnings: Impending Slash, Deathly Hallow Spoilers
A/N: Thanks to tara_chan012  for the beta.

Previous Chapters: 01 - House Unity||02 - A Place To Be

( 03 - Constellations )

(Next Chapter)

Title: ZODIAC
Rating: PG (for now)
Pairing: Albus Severus/Scorpius (in the future)
Words: 4,120
Warnings: Impending Slash, Deathly Hallow Spoilers, un-beta'd

Previous Chapters: 01 - House Unity

( 02 - A Place To Be )

( Next Chapter )

EDIT: The wonderful tilian3 drew a lovely picture of my Albus here.  Go check it out.

Beyond Back Harlow Road: 04 - Friends and Family
Rating: 12A (UK), PG-13 (US)
Summary: Three years after the events in 'Stand By Me', Chris Chambers and Gordie Lachance are still standing by each other. What will face them as they journey even further beyond childhood?
Gordie's POV. Chris/Gordie Slash.
Warning: Contains strong language, male-male relationships, mature content

 

Beyond Back Harlow Road: 03 - Night Wanderings
Rating: 12A (UK), PG-13 (US)
Summary: Three years after the events in 'Stand By Me', Chris Chambers and Gordie Lachance are still standing by each other. What will face them as they journey even further beyond childhood?
Gordie's POV. Chris/Gordie Slash.
Warning: Contains strong language, male-male relationships, mature content

( Chapter Three - Night Wanderings )

Time for me to jump aboard the ASS ship and set sail!

Title: ZODIAC
Chapter: 01 - House Unity
Rating: PG (for now)
Pairing: Albus Severus/Scorpius (in the future)
Words: 3,665
Warnings: Impending Slash, Deathly Hallow Spoilers, un-beta'd
Summary: Friendship can creep up on a person without them realising it, so can love.
Notes: This fanfiction was spawned from this thread in the AS/S community, the_ass_ship .

 

( Next Chapter )

The next chapter for your enjoyment. I'll be posting one chapter a day until I'm up-to-date. I currently only have four chapters in total so getting up-to-date won't take very long.

Beyond Back Harlow Road: 02 - Lunch Break
Rating: 12A (UK), PG-13 (US)
Summary: Three years after the events in 'Stand By Me', Chris Chambers and Gordie Lachance are still standing by each other. What will face them as they journey even further beyond childhood?
Gordie's POV. Chris/Gordie Slash.
Warning: Contains strong language, male-male relationships, mature content

( Chapter Two - Lunch Break )

Already posted this on fanfiction.net a long time ago but I feel that I might as well post it here as well.

Beyond Back Harlow Road: 01 - Study Sessions
Rating: 12A (UK), PG-13 (US)
Summary: Three years after the events in 'Stand By Me', Chris Chambers and Gordie Lachance are still standing by each other. What will face them as they journey even further beyond childhood?
Gordie's POV. Chris/Gordie Slash.
Warning: Contains strong language, male-male relationships, mature content

( Chapter One - Study Sessions )