I know. Two posts in two weeks. Has to be some kind of record for me! I hope the New Year has got off to a good start for everyone on my flist. I'm fine, very busy but fine. Could do with more sleep, but that would mean less reading time and I just can't be having that!

I read some actual books again (I KNOW!), one of which was Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book. It was brilliant. He has said that this is the book he's been wanting to write always but never felt he was quite good enough to do it justice; I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. What was the first thing I did upon finishing it? Yes, I went looking for fics and actually found 2, courtesy of

femmequixotic. But I have no time for another fandom! I promised I would try to get over to Eskimo Kiss Project, where they tell me that wall-slamming is canon (and the boys are SO pretty), so I must do that first *is determined*. 

The Masterlist is up at HD Holidays. That just flew past, didn't it? There were some outstandingly good stories in this year's round. My favourites, in no particular order, were: 

For the Public Good by blamebrampton. A wonderful story which reminded me a little of Corridors of Power with its very Englishness and political detail. Harry is an auror, seconded to Downing Street after the July 2005 bombings, while Draco has been placed in the Communications Office. Draco is just how I like him to be, funny, sarcastic and charming. The main plot is about a 'terrorist' whose only aim is for the Muggle world to finally notice that magic is real. There's a wonderful scene with Lucius and Narcissa (‘It’s nice to see they’re not actively evil anymore,’ Harry said, reassuringly. ‘Oh they are,’ Malfoy corrected. ‘They’ve just narrowed their focus.’) and a lovely exchange when they finally get their act together (Malfoy: ‘What more were you waiting for? I felt you up in front of the Archbishop of Canterbury.’  Harry: ‘I thought you were being ironic.’) I can't recommend this fic enough. Read it!

Once Upon A Time, Yesterday by femmequixotic, in which Harry is practically an alcoholic when he meets Draco again and attempts to pick up the threads of their pre-marriage relationship (oh yeah, forgot. This is epilogue compliant.) It doesn't go smoothly, there are jealousies, accidents and misunderstandings. A really good, satisfying story.

Father of the Bride by novembersnow. Lily is marrying Scorpius (what? Isn't he always gay now?) and Harry's wedding planning coincides with his investigating the Malfoys in connection with potions smuggling or similar. I really, really liked this one, but my fingers are tired so I'll just say, again, read it!

There were more that I liked too, but I'm tired now! I did read some het(!) and have a rec from sshg_exchange for you. There's not much romance and what little there is is saved for the end, but what a cracking story The Proper Care and Feeding of Zombies is! There's a serial killer, a necromancer, a brilliantly written Hermione and Pansy/Ron which is FTW!!!

Thank goodness it's the weekend! We have to take the terrible twosome for haircuts in the morning, which I am dreading, but then I shall do as little as possible all afternoon. Mr Riss can take them out!