Title: Of Blacks and Malfoys
Author: Lord Methene
Rating: M
Genre: Drama/Politics
DLP Category: General
Pairing: Lucius/Narcissa, but very little.
Chapters: 16
Words: 85,661
Updated: November 24, 2010
Published: October 29, 2007
Status: Abandoned
Summary: For centuries those two families have ruled the wizarding world, politically and economically. Now, as troubled times arise, will the wizarding world look to them for leadership, or will the new currents and ideas change wizarding society?
Link:http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3862483/1/Of_Blacks_and_Malfoys

This is one of the most original and greatest idea for a fan fiction trilogy if Methene can somehow finish it. Here is the idea in the author's own words.

There are already 6 chapters for the first book, although the update rate does have room for improvement. The story so far has ranged from very solid to great. The story focuses mostly on the pureblood society, their lifestyle, traditions, and how they seek to preserve it in times of turmoil. The political aspects of the story are done very well. The House of Lords is led by Abraxas Malfoy, and opposing them are the House Of Commons led by Richard Potter.

Then there is the rise of Lord Voldemort who seeks to claim dominion over all of Britain.

I give it a 4.5/5


Checked by Minion, July 29, 2013

 

What this needs is a snazzier title. Methene, put on your unscrupulous writer's cap. You want people to read it, but don't want them to be put off by the title that makes its centricity or whatever the right word is not so glaring.

More valid is that some of the scenes seem scripted.

Primarily this one:

It's kind of a glorification of purebloods, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

 

That's his style.

 

Yup. Methene is a true believer...

I like it, but I have limited patience for non Harry-centric stories, so 3/5

 

I recognize, I am guilty as charged. I cannot help but insert a little pro-pureblood issue here and there. However, since they are lessened in most stories I read, I believe it balances things a little.

As regarding the title, I have no inspiration for one, sadly. The Book titles must remain as they are since they are part of some evil scheme to take over the world, or at least relevant to the events in each of them, but the main title is subject to change. Hey if Andromalius comes up with a good title, I will insert him as some deity for one of the nations.

There seems to be some confusion regarding the way things are set, but that is most likely my fault. As such, I'll clear it up here.

Spoiler

Magical Britain is a bicameral parliamentary republic in this story. The House of Commons' representatives are directly elected by each constituency or dominion (the distinction will be made clear later on...). It is the lower house. This hasn't actually made an appearance yet.

The House of Lords is the upper house, formed by the patriarchs of the older families of Magical Britain (aka. nobility). There are 200 Lords of the Realm.

Now the way things work are as such:

The House of Commons nominates a Minister of Magic from their ranks, subject of approval by the House of Lords.

If the House of Lords refuses to accept the Minister of Magic, the Commons must nominate another one. This can go on forever, but due to the Lords' limiting act of 1946 the House of Lords cannot nominate the Minister of Magic.

And all of that is interesting because, I hear you say.

Well, there are three factions, political parties if you will.

The Nobilitas, are the conservatives, right wing. Prominent members include Lords Malfoy, Black and Lestrange, which are known as the Triumvirs in popular culture due to their dominance of the House of Lords.

The Aliquanta, are the moderates, centrists. Prominent members include Lord Macmillan, the leader of the moderates in the House of Lords.

The Novus Veneficus, are the socialists, crazy revolutionaries according to Abraxas Malfoy. Prominent members include Lord Richard Potter, their leader in the House of Lords.

There is an error in the first chapter that I believe I spotted and must change, but the structure is as such:

House of Lords

130 Nobilitas
40 Aliquanta
10 Novus Veneficus

House of Commons

Undisclosed as of yet, but the situation is reversed, with the Nobilitas having a meagre presence here.

Now the Nobilitas seem to have an overwhelming majority, but as is seen in the last chapter that is not always so.

The matter is the Aliquanta often benefit from the unstable political system, since a compromise must be reached for the election of the Minister of Magic. Since neither Nobilitas nor Novus Veneficus can push their candidates for the top job (one would never pass the Commons, while the other wouldn't stand a chance in the House of Lords), the Aliquanta have dominated the Ministry. That has led to a string of weak Ministers, good only for the camera. There is financial trouble at the moment, and Voldemort, creating a need for a strong hand.

Now, as regards to the update rate. Many apologies, but I was struck by a chronic rate of lack of inspiration for a while. It has returned and this weekend I have somewhat repented.

I am aware that there are some glaring issues with the style, but I am still in the learning phase, so any suggestions are more than useful.

 

I'd actually prefer to Founding Father of the Blacks.

It usually takes me twenty tries to come up with a good name, but then again I usually end up back where I started, save for the 20% difference in the number of readers.

I'll give it a try, but I'm afraid it might be trash. "Purity of Blood". "The Black Affair". "The Blood of Malfoys". "The Dumpster Full of Cock". * "Purity Unfettered". "Blood Unfettered". "Ushackling the Chains". "Chains of the Kindred".

It would finangle very well anyway, Methene. Black Mage? Get it? Black Mage...?! Really, I just noticed the connection, 'cause I just saddled myself with the username browing wikipedia for the first thing that sounded cool at the time.

* A guy at school once told me about it. Apparently, somewhere in Europe the police found that a woman had filled up a dumpter with severed penises. He had this weird concentration of acne on his arm. I figured I should trust him.

 

It looks good, though I'm wary to say anything on a planned-trilogy.

Severing an idea into 3 books rarely works in fanfiction. Most authors give up after the first book (if even that). I'd personally advise that you leave the first two books alone and write the third, referring to the past political atmosphere and rise-and-fall of the Blacks/Malfoys through flashback, or better yet, conflict.

Still, I encourage you to continue regardless of how you go about this. So far what I've read is good.

Though if I were seriously critiquing the first chapter, I would argue that this sudden introduction into the political entanglements of Britain is ...awkward? You need to sketch the atmosphere or mood first, before launching into what Dumbledore is doing.

Still I like your writing. There is not enough political babble in HP.

 

Now, I am an equal opportunity author. At least when it comes to Harry centricity. Book three will feature him as the main character, with one of my favourite Harry pairings. Bonus points if you can guess it...

First chapter does seem rather awkward Chime, but I found it hard to set the tone. I figured I would jump right in. After all I am still learning how to do this. Perhaps after I finish the series I will go back and redo the first and second books to incorporate what stylistic elements I have learned.

Chime, the third book is the one I am building the series towards, the one I get dreams about, the one I want to write. However, I found out I can't simply write that one. I have in my mind an idea of all the three books, but I can't even write the second half of a chapter without writing the first. I like to introduce things and give hints of future plot elements.

Anyway, for those who do not wish to subject themselves to reading non-Harry works, I will write a summary as prologue for Books two and three. That way, someone can jump in straight at book two or three, without bothering with the previous ones and without being lost either.

 

You could draw upon (lightly) the events that happened in the Roman Republic from 200 BC (post-Punic Wars) to 27 BC (rise of Augustus). I can see some parallels there, especially with the situation in the Commons and the Lords (Senate vs. popular assemblies and committees, populares vs. optimates).

Just a suggestion as to where you can do your research.

 

I am indeed. You have caught me red handed. I will be drawing upon the Roman Republic's transformation into the Roman Empire, the French Revolution, toghether with some of my own ideas to transit the current political structure into what I want it to be.

 

Harry/Fleur?

I read all your chapters except the last one (will do it later today) and it's pretty good so far. It's awkward reading a non Harry-centric fanfiction but its quality compensate that well enough.

I'm just a little worried of how you will handle Voldemort but so far it's good. Beside, he's supposed to be a genius and I think he'll prepare the eventuality when his new followers come to sense and begin listening to their elders.

 

Inky has won the competition, earning points for guessing the pairing.

Lord Voldemort has woven webs of lies upon lies; Some he'll manage to maintain, some will come back and hurt him. I am glad you like my Lord Voldemort. I always wanted to portray him as a more competent Dark Lord and not a schoolyard bully. The opposition might seem like idiots now, but they will pick up later on. Many more twists between the elders and his new followers and the ministry and others.

 

Franky, it wasn't hard. Just had to check your profile. But well...

Anyway, please write more.

 

The story has been updated for your viewing pleasure. Click me. Click me for Patronuscharm.

I am not entirely happy with the second scene of the chapter (the one divided by the lines), but I rewrote it several times, and I frankly don't see another way for it.

Barring any unfortunate events, Chapter 9 will go up on Wednesday, with Chapter 10 on Friday.

Happy reading.

 

Methene, I am loving this pick up in update rate. I can only hope that it continues for awhile. Unlike Chime?? I fully support the idea of writing three books, instead of summing up what the political climate is in the final book. I believe that as long as all three books get written it allows for a much more descriptive society, one that we can watch grow and understand how it reached certain points.

 

I have just been struck by inspiration lately.

I jotted down all the subplots I wanted to introduce in the first book and have added another twist to the main plot that I believe you will enjoy.

I agree, I want to fully show the ascendancy into the political climate we will see in the third book, and I need books one and two to do this.

 

I've recently starting reading your fiction, and like it quite a lot. I'm up to chapter 8, and have a question:

It was widely reported in the papers that the act to authorize aurors with using Unforgiveables failed the House of Commons. Why then did Fenrir so readily accept that aurors were to blame?

 

Maybe because he's a dumb savage with the brains of a buffalo wing?

 

Ah, I have been looking for a way to reply to your reviews, seeing as they were not signed, but I knew who you were. This thread is the perfect place for it.

You have to consider several things when it comes to Fenrir. He and his pack lived in a cave complex far away from any civilised settlement. They did have access to some sort of information, but they are not the type to follow the proceedings of the House of Lords.

Second, the werewolves had been in a state of euphoria since the attack. I might have made it so it seemed as a lot of time passed, but the session and subsequent wiping out of werewolves happened rather quickly.

Fenrir was also ill. There have been signs given in the chapter of "feeling the silver", and the sword he had been sliced with was made of the same material. He considered Lord Voldemort an ally, and did not expect a betrayal. What he saw were masked wizards, some on horses that struck at his pack. The first reaction, considering his crime was to associate them with Aurors.

Of course, out of all the manipulations Lord Voldemort has done thus far, this is the weakest. He spared Fenrir's life because he saw the potential to embitter him against society even more and use him several times until he outlived his usefulness. Lord Voldemort also tends to think less of magical creatures, and the half breed Fenrir does not rank very highly in his mind.

Maybe he is wrong, maybe Fenrir still has some role to play. Only time will tell.

EDIT: I just noticed your review of Chapter 6 and figured I would respond to that and the previous ones as well.

That is actually causing me some headaches at the moment as I find myself checking HP lexicon for dates and timelines every single chapter. Of course, the story does not follow canon, but I don't like to break some established times and ages of characters. Fenrir was an exception, but I needed him to be in a more significant position since I didn't want to invent an OC as an Alpha since I had a thirsty cannibal werewolf provided by canon itself.

I dislike the notion of everyone being clear cut evil or good. Wizards are not evil drones, to quote you, they have aspirations, desires, secrets and methods they use to further their goals. I think of each major character and I have information about their beliefs, their goals and methods they are willing to use. I find it helps me in writing to know the characters personally.

I might be departing from the traditions of the genre, since there is no clear cut good and evil at this point, but I think it is the way to go with this story. A clear cut good vs. evil has been done many times and I find doesn't stick so well with all the political scheming I have thought out.

While there are traditionally associated "good" characters, which I am sure you have picked on, they are following their beliefs, not some lofty light goal.

I can't say this. I've thought about it, since I have a plan for how each current and future prominent Death Eater ended up on the crusade, but it would mean a flashback, which I am not very fond of. I guess I could insert it in between the scenes, but I am undecided.

Frankly, the reason I used Igor is because in the beginning a man with social connections was needed, more than a fearsome fighter. Everytime I use a line, such as "Come, Igor" or "Go, Igor" or any variations of, makes me think of Frankenstein and makes me happy. But seriously, the snitch, white minx dressed, Headmaster of Durmstrang (in cannon, he is not Headmaster now, obviously, but I don't want confusion seeping through) seemed to have the greatest potential out of the Early Death Eaters as a socially connected individual.

 

It's my kind of Fic !

All I have to say is 20/5 just for posting the story , except for that it really is a brilliant read!