Bill/Fleur: Last Drabble Writer Standing

"The time has come," the Walrus said...

fiery_flamingo — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:57:26 GMT

...to talk of the sad business of closing the comm.

It has been a bit over two weeks since we offered up the community to any takers, but no one has adopted it. So, we 're going to close it down.

This is a heads-ups to any of our past participants that do not have the drabbles they wrote for us archived yet. If you want them, get them now, because the community will be deleted by the end of April. We would hate to see some of the wonderful drabbles produced to be lost.

Best wishes,
Sam!Mod and Leigh!Mod

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, adieu...

leigh_adams — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 02:06:39 GMT

To our fellow Bill and Fleur lovers,

As you've all noticed, this community has been fairly inactive since the end of Round Two in 2010. We were hoping to run a third round last spring, but we received a low number of responses. Fandom is a fluctuating place, and we understand that. We know that just because Bill and Fleur aren't the most popular pairing, that doesn't mean they aren't beloved by their shippers.

Your Sam!Mod and I have discussed this, and we've decided to hang our modly hats up at this community. We're both sad about it, but we've seen that there isn't enough interest for us to run another round. We thank you all for making this community such a great place to be! *HUGS*

If you are interested in adopting bwfd_ldws, please shoot us an e-mail at bill.fleur.ldws@gmail.com. If we do not hear from any prospective parents within TWO WEEKS, we will have to make a tough decision.

Again, thank you so much for being such wonderful members of this community. It has been a pleasure being your mods!

With love,

Leigh (leigh_adams) and Sam (fiery_flamingo)

Affiliate Announcement!

leigh_adams — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:58:44 GMT

Our friends over at hp_humpdrabbles are hosting the 2011 Humpathon! Go on over and hump to your heart's content! :D

hp_humpdrabbles presents Humpathon 2011
October 10 - 31, 2011 ♥ Join Humps & Get Lucky

Affiliate Announcement!

leigh_adams — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:19:57 GMT

Prompting is open for the 2011 round of interhouse_fest. Click on the banner below to leave a prompt or two...or ten... :D

Affiliate Announcement!

leigh_adams — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:37:22 GMT

Our sister community, interhouse_fest, will open prompting on August 15th! Your Modly Duo hope to see you there! :D

Round Three?

leigh_adams — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:14:18 GMT

If you could take the time to fill out our short little poll, fiery_flamingo and I would much appreciate it! :D

Edit: I screwed up formatting the last question. It should have been ticky boxes, so if you think you'll participate in more than one way, feel free to tell us in the comments!

View Poll: #1751019

Affiliate Announcement!

leigh_adams — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 22:25:20 GMT

Sign ups close TOMORROW!

Sign ups are officially open!!

Humpfest FAQ’s ♥ Timeline & Rules

Affiliate Announcement!

leigh_adams — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 01:41:33 GMT

Sign-ups are OPEN!

Sign ups are officially open!!

Humpfest FAQ’s ♥ Timeline & Rules

Affiliate Announcement!

leigh_adams — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:53:35 GMT

Happy April, everyone! Our friends at hp_humpdrabbles have announced their new fest: HUMPFEST 2011! Click on the banner below to find out more!

hp_humpdrabbles presents the 2011 Harry Potter Humpfest
where every roll of the dice is lucky
TIMELINE & RULES ♥ FAQ’s ♥ PROMPTS & SIGN-UP’s

Affiliate Announcement!

leigh_adams — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 21:31:38 GMT

This was supposed to go up a while ago, but Leigh!Mod has been dealing with a series of life crises, one on top of the other. Forgive me?

Hey y'all! Our newest affiliate, bill_ficathon, has begun posting! So, if you have a serious love for the eldest Weasley son (and let's face it, you're a member here so you probably do), head on over and enjoy the various ways fandom loves William Arthur Weasley!

Come join us to celebrate the oldest Weasley child
at the bill_ficathon

Now Posting!

Affiliate Announcement!

leigh_adams — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 22:46:32 GMT

Our friends over at hp_canon_fest would like to announce that prompting for the 2011 Canon Fest is now OPEN! Despite the unfortunate lack of Bill/Fleur on the community art (gorgeous, by the way), I'm sure that some of you will want to mosey on over and see if something tickles your fancy!

Leigh!Mod will be signing up (as of now). Must remedy the lack of Bill/Fleur love amongst the canon couples!

2011 Canon Fest Schedule:

Prompting: January 19-26
Prompt claims: January 27-February 3
Submissions due: March 25
Posting beings: April 4

Click on the banner to join the canon love!

Affiliate Announcement!

leigh_adams — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 22:11:28 GMT

Happy first week of 2011, Bill/Fleur lovers! We hope that you're enjoying your new year thus far!

Our friends at hp_humpdrabbles are in need of some help, y'all. What sort of help? They need PROMPT SUGGESTIONS. What sorts of prompts would you like to see featured there? Is there a certain character and/or pairing you'd like to see as a prompt? A sexy, suggestive song? Your favorite love/lust quote? It's all fair game!

Click on the banner below to go leave your suggestions! I know they'd appreciate it!

End of Round (and year!) sundries

leigh_adams — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 18:48:22 GMT

As 2010 comes to a close, Sam!Mod and I would like to take this time to thank everyone who has played along with us here at bwfd_ldws. Without you, this community would not exist, and we’re extremely grateful that you all are as supportive and engaging as you are!

This post should have been up within a few days of Round Two’s finale, but I’ve been in the process of moving and Sam!Mod was in the throes of finals. However, better late than never, right?

After some long and thought-provoking conversations, we have come to the decision to hold off on Round Three until the summer of 2011. We know you all love Bill/Fleur, as do we, but we have not seen sufficient feedback and enthusiasm to warrant holding another round this spring. Also, Sam!Mod is in the process of transitioning to the real world (or graduate school), and Leigh!Mod has a graduate thesis to write in the coming months.

We hope you all understand, and we also hope that we’ll see you back here this summer for Round Three!

But we could never leave you without some parting gifts! Under the cut... participant banners!

As always, we welcome your feedback! If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or just want to say hi, feel free to drop us a line at bill.fleur.ldws@gmail.com, or you can follow us on Twitter.

From the both of us, thanks again, and we hope you all have a very safe and happy New Year!

Round Two: Challenge Eight and Round Results

fiery_flamingo — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 20:13:36 GMT

The votes are in, and the winner of our RUMBLE ROUND here at bwfd_ldws has been chosen! A huge thanks to the fourteen people who voted this week!

And now, what you've all been waiting for...

The WINNER of CHALLENGE EIGHT and ROUND TWO, with +81 points overall, is goeungurl! Congratulations!

RUNNER-UP for ROUND TWO, with +72 points overall, goes to gelsey! Congratulations!

The final point count:

1. goeungurl with +81
2.. gelsey with +72
3. starstruck1986 with +55
4. mollywheezy with +50
5. illusionrain with +13

Author names will be up at the voting post shortly. Thank you so much to EVERYONE, writers and supporters, for everything over the past eight weeks! Both Leigh!Mod and I were thrilled with the turnout! We'll be back in a few days with some end-of-round sundries (i.e. participant banners!), so stay tuned.

Again, thank you so much, and happy holidays!

Challenge Eight Voting!

leigh_adams — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:45:11 GMT

It's Voting Time!

The drabbles are in, and it's time to vote!

Remember:

♥ If you are a contestant, you are required to vote.

♥ You are not allowed to vote for yourself.

♥ Please enter the number of your most favorite and second most favorite drabble in the voting poll. Please enter the number and NOT the title!

♥ Remember the prompts when voting:

”I prefer the winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape--the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn’t show.” -Andrew Wyeth

OR

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Winners will be announced on Thursday!

1. goeungurl
Title: Kind Words, or the Lack Thereof
Words: 495
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Author's Notes: Used the quote. Thank you, mods, for the past 8 weeks! It’s been fun! Love you both. <3

In the end, it was Fleur who helped him move on. Haughty, demanding, cold-hearted Fleur who rarely had a kind word to say.

The rest of the Weasleys were too broken over the loss of Fred to know what to do. Instinctively, George turned to his eldest brother, the brother who had always known what to do to get out of trouble. This time, however, Bill simply bowed his head and covered his eyes with his hand. It was Fleur who squeezed her husband’s side and proceeded to bring the family together.

She demanded that Molly teach her how to make jam so the matron would have a reason to leave her son’s grave and reenter the kitchen. When Fleur haughtily told Molly that all properly trained French girls learned basic culinary skills in finishing school and that she knew better, Molly found her voice again as the two heatedly debated the best way to sear a steak.

She scoured Muggle London for a Muggle baby bassinet to bring to Arthur and demanded that they assemble it together so his grandchildren would have a snug place to sleep. When they finished that, she found matching Muggle baby mobile and lamp that she insisted needed adjustments to complete the children’s room.

When she saw how Charlie’s eyes lit up when her Victorie showed interest in his dragons, she bravely demanded that he take the wee one to the Reserve, starting a lifelong alliance between the two.

She was the one who demanded that Penny ask Percy out on a date, and gave Ron the final push he needed to go after Hermione.

But for George, she didn’t demand anything. During the summer heat, she ignored him while she tended the flowers by Fred’s grave each morning. He might have wondered why she just didn’t use watering charms, but they weren’t speaking. When the wind chilled and fall came, she came to clear the leaves. She still never said a word except to occasionally recast the heating charm around them. Once winter came and the landscape was bare, she insisted that the grass needed tending--some French saying about whole stories beneath the grass that you can’t see.

At first, he thought that she was talking about flower buds hiding until spring or some nonsense, but as time passed and his grief dulled, he realized she meant Fred--that though he was buried underneath the grass, they could remember him through the stories that he left behind--and that’s what they did. They both sat in silence, remembering. And they continued to sit every morning until enough time had passed. Then they sat every other morning. Then once a week. Always in silence. She didn’t demand anything of him, but gave him the space that he didn’t know he needed.

In the end, it was Fleur who helped him move on. Haughty, demanding, warm-hearted Fleur who rarely needed to say a kind word because her love showed through her actions.

2. mollywheezy
Title: A Special Occasion
Words: 499
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: None

Fleur set the final piece of china on the table. The white dish with gilded edges made an elegant contrast to the red silk tablecloth. The fairy lights on the small tree in the corner emitted a cheery glow, reflecting in the red and gold ornaments. The soft, red afghan thrown over her love seat looked warm and inviting. Gabrielle had crocheted the afghan as an early Christmas present, and Fleur smiled whenever she saw it.

The aromas of homemade bread and coq au vin were making Fleur hungry. She was pleased with how both had turned out and hoped Bill would be as well. The expensive champagne her mother sent "for a special occasion" rested in a bucket of ice. Fleur was determined to make tonight a special occasion.

She had purchased new lingerie and stockings. Again. She would go broke at this rate. She also wore her new gold velvet dress. She loved how it displayed her curves and the luxurious feel of the fabric as she moved. The flared skirt made a swishing sound when she turned quickly. Bill would not be able to resist her. She hoped.

The doorbell chimed. Fleur quickly lit the candles on the table, smoothed her skirt, took a deep breath, and walked slowly to the door.

"Hello, Bill. Please come in," Fleur had practiced speaking without an accent.
From Bill's expression, she could tell he noticed.

"Fleur! You look lovely." Bill kissed her lips softly.

Fleur took his hand, leading him into her flat. She looked straight into his eyes. "Would you like dinner now?" Bill nodded. "Good. I am very hungry."

%*

After dinner, Fleur and Bill snogged on her love seat. She knew she was thoroughly mussed, but didn't care. Their activities caused Gabrielle's afghan to fall, and Bill abruptly sat up.

"Everything's been great, Fleur, but I should get home."

Fleur sat up too. "You should stay. It is cold outside."

"I can Apparate."

Fleur invented wildly, "It iz not good to Apparate in ze snow, Beel."

Bill quirked an eyebrow, and Fleur blushed. She took a deep breath and asked, "Why do you not want to make love with me? Do you not find me attractive?"

"Of course I find you attractive!"

"Zen what is ze problem?"

"I just want to take things slowly."

"Beel, we 'ave been going out for zix months! Any slower and I will be dead!"

Bill chuckled weakly, rubbing his hand over the back of his neck.

"Beel, if you 'ave not noticed all of zis," Fleur made a wide hand gesture, taking in the flat and her own appearance, "I want you!"

Bill smirked, "I noticed your accent returned."

Fleur glared at him.

Bill sighed, "Fleur, I know we've both done this before, but you're not just someone to fool around with. You're someone to keep forever."

"Why can I not be both?"

Bill's smoldering gaze met Fleur's. "You can."

Fleur took Bill's hand and lead him into her bedroom.

3. gelsey
Title: The Winter After the War
Words: 270
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Poetry. Kind of. Lyrics?
Author's Notes: Inspired by the quote, as I hope you can tell. But it’s also inspired by the song The Summer Before the War, which the quote reminded me of somehow. I know it’s a risk, but I’m taking it!

All in December, grey as the sea
Late and waiting for the tide
We gathered around the crackling red flames
You and my family and I.
And oh, what a winter, and oh, what a wind
Biting to our grief it clung
That month at Shell Cottage, down near the sea
The winter after the war.

Cold winter places where you could taste blood
Welling on the tip of your tongue
As you bite back the words and the memories
Of the ones we lost to the war.
And herein we grieved, and herein we mourned
Feeling older than time
That month of Shell Cottage, down near the sea
The winter after the war.

Young hearts and old souls, our fears were untold
Yet we share it, together, somehow
That month at Shell Cottage, down near the sea
The winter after the war.

We stood slight apart, a couple aside
The wind clung your robes to your skin
You body against my body, our babe in-between
As we watched the sea roll in.
And oh, what a winter, and oh, what a love
We’ll cling to it tight and never lose hope
That month at Shell Cottage, down near the sea
The winter after the war.

I’ll love you forever, I’ll love you today
The bare bones of winter press in.
Loneliness looming, surrounded by the ghosts of the dead
Watching the sea roll in.
Yet underneath, our love persists
And hope grows strong within
That month at Shell Cottage, down near the sea
The winter after the war.

Yes, that month at Shell Cottage, down near the sea
The winter after the war.

4. starstruck1986
Title: Cold Queen
Words: 317
Rating: R
Warnings: Language, comedy French accents.
Author's Notes: Used the quote for the first time, just at the end!

“So cold...”

Fleur shuddered into Bill's hold and thrust her leg between his. The iciness of her skin made him grunt in his throat, but he pulled her closer and tried to protect her with his warmth.

“I think the spells have failed,” he murmured into her hair. “That's why it's so parky in here.”

A muffled babble of French was his answer; Bill thought he heard a passing swear word.

“I can get up and fix them if you want?” he sighed. “But I kind of like this.”
“Being freezing?” her head flew up and she glared at him in the darkness.
“Winter,” Bill answered simply. “Cold. Bare. Everything's gone and even the sunshine is weak... it's like the earth's slowing down around you... ready to come back to life again.”
“Like ze earth is resting?” Fleur asked disparagingly.
“Sleeping, like we should be.” Bill kissed the tip of her nose.
“You are mad, Beell.”
“You knew that when you married me.”

A short laugh brushed over his chin, which Fleur then kissed. She shivered again.

“I need, uh... how do zey say? Warming up!” she declared.
“Oh aye.” Bill grinned, rolling her onto her back. He slid a thigh between her own. “And how should I do that..?”
“Fuck me...” her French accent drawled over the word.
“Oh, I dunno... a hot water bottle does wonders.”

A sharp slap to his buttocks made him laugh, and he pressed his cold queen further into the mattress.

“As you wish, mademoiselle.”
“Ah, don't butcher ze French language with your Eengleesh twang...”
“Ah, oui oui...” Bill smirked.
“Tu es ridicule.” Fleur giggled through her chastisement.
“And you love me anyway.”
“Oui... beaucoup...”

Bill kissed her again, and reached in between them to spark some warmth.

View Poll: Challenge Eight Voting

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Modly Announcement

leigh_adams — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:32:39 GMT

Morning, fellow Bill/Fleur lovers!

I just wanted to let everyone know that voting is going to be a little late today. Sam!Mod is in the heart of final exams (leave some congrats for her; she's graduating!), and the wireless signal I'm ~~stealing~~ borrowing from the neighbors was acting punkish this morning.

Voting will go up when I get home from work, and due to the delay, will remain open an extra day.

Thanks for being so great, and don't forget to VOTE!

Round Two: Challenge Eight

fiery_flamingo — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:33:08 GMT

It's time for the eighth and FINAL challenge of our RUMBLE ROUND here at bwfd_ldws . But before the wild rumpus begins, let us go over the rules one last time...

♥ All drabbles must be submitted in a screened comment to THIS post.

♥ Drabbles must be any length up to 500 words.

♥ Drabbles are due by Sunday, midnight GMT. Go here to see what that means for you.

♥ Please DO NOT post them anywhere until after the winner of this week's challenge has been revealed. Also, you may have a beta reader, but they better be able to keep a secret!

♥ Skips are no longer available! Everyone competing has used theirs. If you don't submit a drabble, five points will be deducted from your overall score.

♥ Please reply in a comment to THIS post with your drabbles using this header:

Title:
Words:
Rating:
Warnings:
Author's Notes:

Everyone got that? Ready for your last challenge? Allons-y!

Challenge Eight: Winter

”I prefer the winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape--the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn’t show.”-Andrew Wyeth

OR

Word Count: Anything up to 500

Remember, you only have to use one of the prompts. However, you are more than welcome to incorporate both!

As soon as we receive your drabble, your name will be crossed off this list. Remember, they're due by midnight GMT on Sunday!

Participants
1. mollywheezy *
2. starstruck1986 *
3. illusionrain *
4. gelsey *
5. goeungurl *

*Indicates those who have used their skip.

C'est tout! Bonne chance!

Challenge Seven Results!

leigh_adams — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:21:46 GMT

The votes are in, and the winners of the seventh challenge of our RUMBLE ROUND here at bwfd_ldws have been chosen! A huge thanks to the eleven people who voted this week!

And now, what you've all been waiting for...

The WINNER of Challenge Five is goeungurl with "Pyre Prayers." Congratulations!

MOD'S CHOICE for this week goes to starstruck1986 with her drabble, "Burn." Congratulations!

The top five competitors after CHALLENGE SEVEN are:

1. gelsey with +64
2. goeungurl with +60
3. starstruck1986 with +49
4. mollywheezy with +43
5. illusionrain with +18

Author names will be up at the voting post shortly. Thanks to the writers for their hard work and to the voters for coming out and showing their support! Check back tomorrow for our final challenge, CHALLENGE EIGHT!

Round Two: Challenge Seven Voting

fiery_flamingo — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:30:46 GMT

It's Voting Time!

The drabbles are in, and it's time to vote!

Remember:

♥ If you are a contestant, you are required to vote.

♥ You are not allowed to vote for yourself.

♥ Please enter the number of your most favorite and second most favorite drabble in the voting poll. Please enter the number and NOT the title!

♥ Remember the prompts when voting:

A little Madness in the Spring
Is wholesome even for the King,
But God be with the Clown --
Who ponders this tremendous scene --
This whole Experiment of Green --
As if it were his own! -Emily Dickinson

OR

This Picture

Winners will be announced on Wednesday!

1.
Title: Pyre Prayers
Words: 200
Rating: G
Warnings: None.
Author's Notes: Used the picture prompt. Love you, mods!

Bill bowed his head as flames rose from the memorial fire. All around him, families gathered in clumps, as if huddling tightly together would fill the void that had been left by the departed. Unconsciously, his hands rose to his face and his fingers traced the scars that had been left on his face. With his other hand, he pulled Fleur closer into his side. Despite the massive bonfire, the chill of the late spring night seemed to permeate his being and she seemed to be the only light left in the world.

As he watched the fire burn, Bill’s first prayer was for Fred--that he be safe and happier than George and those he left behind. The next prayer was for Lupin and Tonks--that they were together in a place where they could happily watch Teddy grow up. Dumbledore--that his tired eyes would be able to get some rest and twinkle again. Katie Bell. Dobby. Snape. Cedric Diggory. Moody. There were so many to pray for, gone before their time. His last prayer, however, was for his unborn children. And all those of their generation--that they would never have to know this ache, this pain, this brokenness of war.

2.
Title: Burn
Words: 177
Rating: PG
Warnings: Implied Weasleycest.
Author's Notes: I'll let you figure out who the narrator is ;)

She is beautiful. Long lines, feminine bones, flowing hair. I envy him for having her.

Standing there in front of the bonfire we hold in memory of our lost brother, one who loved fire almost as much as I do (but only when he was blowing things up), she makes my body burn and my heart throb in ways which take my breath away.

Suddenly, she is not alone. Another long lined, finely boned body with flowing hair steps up to her, wrapping toned arms around her slender waist. She is pulled close, her lips are kissed. She loses herself in the darkness, warmth surely washing over the pair of them.

A flash of light brightens the sky; pink, yellow, green, blue sparks exploding from a firework. The colours mesh to simply form bright, blinding light, but I can only look at the pair of them. They are still kissing, completely lost in one another. The throb in my chest turns to an ache.

I envy them for having one another, but especially her, for having him.

3.
Title: April 1, 1999
Words: 199
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Author's Notes: I did not invent this tradition, and yes, I've done it. ;D

"Ze family bonfire was a wonderful idea, Beel," Fleur whispered.

"Thanks, love," Bill whispered, "but George still looks sad."

"Nothing will make him completely happy—he'll never again share his birthday with Fred."

"I miss George's mischievous laugh. Maybe there's something I can do." Bill stood and announced, "I dare all of you to jump over the bonfire."

"You're mental!" Ron shouted, and the rest of the Weasley's laughed.

"No, I'm serious. My friend Atis at Gringotts told me it's a Latvian tradition. I'll start." Bill's family stared at him as he began to back up from the fire. Bill got a running start, pushed off from the ground, and cleared the fire completely. All of the Weasley's cheered.

"Did you use some sort of charm on yourself?" Harry asked.

"No magic allowed."

"I'm in!" Fleur moved away as Bill had done, ran towards the fire, and soared gracefully over it, as if she were performing ballet.

George hopped up. "I'm next!" Bill and Fleur shared a smile as George jumped the bonfire. "That was brilliant! Fred would have loved this!" George's eyes twinkled as he grinned.

Bill shouted, "Aren't you Gryffindors? Jump the fire in memory of Fred!"

View Poll: Challenge Seven Voting

Reminder!

fiery_flamingo — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 17:56:40 GMT

DRABBLES ARE DUE BY MIDNIGHT TOMORROW

♥ If you're confused about what time that is for you, go here and check.

♥ Submit your drabbles as a comment to the Drabble Seven post.

♥ We're still waiting on drabbles from:

mollywheezy
illusionrain
gelsey
goeungurl

♥ C'mon, guys, we're almost to the end! Rally the troops! :D

Round Two: Challenge Seven

fiery_flamingo — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 23:27:37 GMT

It's (belatedly) time for the seventh challenge of our RUMBLE ROUND here at bwfd_ldws . But before the wild rumpus begins, let us go over the rules...

♥ All drabbles must be submitted in a screened comment to THIS post.

♥ Drabbles must be between 150 and 200 words.

♥ Drabbles are due by Sunday, midnight GMT. Go here to see what that means for you.

♥ Please DO NOT post them anywhere until after the winner of this week's challenge has been revealed. Also, you may have a beta reader, but they better be able to keep a secret!

♥ Skips are available! If you are going to use yours, please contact one of the mods (fiery_flamingo or leigh_adams ) IMMEDIATELY. Remember, you get one skip. After that, we deduct five points from your overall score for each non-submission.

♥ Please reply in a comment to THIS post with your drabbles using this header:

Title:
Words:
Rating:
Warnings:
Author's Notes:

Everyone got that? Ready for your sixth challenge? Allons-y!

Challenge Seven: Spring

A little Madness in the Spring
Is wholesome even for the King,
But God be with the Clown --
Who ponders this tremendous scene --
This whole Experiment of Green --
As if it were his own! -Emily Dickinson

OR

Word Count: Between 150 and 200

Remember, you only have to use one of the prompts. However, you are more than welcome to incorporate both!

As soon as we recieve your drabble, your name will be crossed off this list. Remember, they're due by midnight. GMT on Sunday!

Participants
1. mollywheezy *
2. starstruck1986 *
3. illusionrain *
4. gelsey
5. goeungurl *

*Indicates those who have used their skip.

C'est tout! Bonne chance!

Challenge Six Results!

leigh_adams — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:25:37 GMT

The votes are in, and the winners of the sixth challenge of our RUMBLE ROUND here at bwfd_ldws have been chosen! A huge thanks to the eight people who voted this week!

And now, what you've all been waiting for...

The WINNER of Challenge Five is gelsey with "The Autumn of His Life." Congratulations!

MOD'S CHOICE for this week goes to gelsey with her drabble, "The Autumn of His Life." Congratulations!

The top five competitors after CHALLENGE SIX are:

1. gelsey with +64
2. goeungurl with +48
3. starstruck1986 with +38
4. mollywheezy with +33
5. illusionrain with +18

Author names will be up at the voting post shortly. Thanks to the writers for their hard work and to the voters for coming out and showing their support! Remember, we're taking a week off for Thanskgiving, so check back on December 2nd for CHALLENGE SEVEN!

Round Two: Challenge Six Voting

fiery_flamingo — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 19:55:34 GMT

It's Voting Time!

The drabbles are in, and it's time to vote!

Remember:

♥ If you are a contestant, you are required to vote.

♥ You are not allowed to vote for yourself.

♥ Please enter the number of your most favorite and second most favorite drabble in the voting poll. Please enter the number and NOT the title!

♥ Remember the prompts when voting:

"A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made. The acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air." -Eric Sloane

OR

This picture

Winners will be announced on Wednesday!

1.
Title: First Fall
Words: 380
Rating: G
Warnings: Timeline might be a smidge off from canon.
Author's Notes: Thank you, mods, for being so wonderful and paitent!

Shell cottage.

By the time Bill had gotten the realtor to shut up about the thatched roof and the traditional awnings, his fiance had disappeared. After searching various rooms with no avail, he found her outside standing by the shore of the small lake.

Walking away from the realtor who had started in again about the magical pantry shelving, he quietly leaned against the cottage door admiring the pretty picture Fleur made. Her golden tresses were painting swirls in the fall wind using the deep blue sea as a backdrop. It was only when she started shivering, that he allowed himself to add a melody of crunching leaves to the picturesque scene as he headed out to her.

He pulled his jacket over her shoulders and embraced her tightly from behind. She leaned back and kissed him on the lips as both of their hands gathered unconsciously over her rounded middle.

He breathed in the scent of her hair along with the crisp autumn seabreeze before he softly reassured her, “If the water bothers you, we don’t have to take the place you know.”

“I know,” she murmured, hands tightening against his. She sighed. “I couldn’t even protect my grown sister, Beel. ‘ow am I to protect a baby?”

Bill couldn’t help but grin as he pressed a kiss into her temple. “Are you really worried that our unborn child will be captured by mermaids and we’ll have to call Harry to rescue him or her?”

Fleur whirled around to glare at Bill. “Don’t make fun, Bill. Eez not nice.”

He pulled her close and pressed a gentle kiss against her lips. “You have no reason to worry. Barty Crouch, Jr. is long gone. But just in case, we can have a garden of gillyweed, always ready for the picking.”

“You’re so silly, Beel.” Fleur said, shaking her head, but not before her pink lips cracked into a partial smile.

“But more importantly,” Bill said seriously, tightening his grip around Fleur, “This baby? It’s our baby. You’re not alone protecting him or her. You’ll have me there too.”

“‘im,” Fleur countered, half-grin turning into a brilliant smile.

“Him?”

“Oui.”

“As you wish dear,” Bill said with a matching smile. They had found their first home. “As you wish.”

2.
Title: Tell Me You Love Me
Words: ~346
Rating: PG
Warnings: Flangst

“Zey are such funny creatures.”
“I think he's whispering that he loves her...” Bill grinned stupidly, whispering his words into Fleur's ear as not to disturb the two wild animals on the log in front of them.
“You are too romantic.”

Bill tightened his grip around her and tucked his chin into her neck.

“Probably. But then it's so miserable at the moment, a bit of romance wouldn't go amiss, would it?”
“Zey are fine.” Fleur's voice hardened, as it usually did. Her body followed suit, drawing up to its fullness, shoulders squared. “Ron is alive. It would be everywhere if he weren't. Zey would want to brag about 'is death.”
“But what if he isn't?”

It was hard to control his pessimism. With his family Bill pretended to be strong. Alone with Fleur, who had always been able to unlock every nuance from his soul, he was a mess, fearful and trembling, wondering if he would ever see his littlest brother alive again.

“Ron is brave,” she declared. “'E is with 'Arry, doing what is right. 'E will come back to us all.”

Bill said nothing, focussing his eyes on the two squirrels, who still sat close on the log. Fleur fell silent, seemingly also watching.

“What if he never tells her that he loves her?” Bill murmured.
“'Oo? Ze squirrel?” Fleur asked, confused.

Laughing softly, Bill said, “No. Those two are meant to be together. I mean Ron and Hermione. They just fight. They're in love but never say as much.”
“Sometimes... love should die with ze person,” Fleur said quietly. “Zey will find their own way, Beell. It is not for you to decide whezzer 'e says it or not.”

She turned in his arms then and pressed her lips to his.

“You will be a marvellous papa, Beell. You care too much.”
“Here's hoping I get the chance,” Bill said grimly, before choosing to lose himself in her kiss to stem the flow of painful conversation.

3.
Title: The Gryffindor Season
Words: 398
Rating: PG
Warnings: None

"You know, Beel, it's your season." The porch swing creaked as Bill and Fleur swayed gently.

"How so, love?"

"All of the reds and golds of the leaves—they are Gryffindor colors, just like your hair."

Bill laughed, "I'd say my hair is starting to get more silver now."

"To me, your hair will always be like the autumn leaves." Fleur cuddled up closer to Bill and kissed his cheek.

Bill chuckled. "It's not fair—your hair was silver when we were young, and it's still silver now that we're . . ."

"Old?"

"Hey! I'm not old yet, just old-er. My hair might be as silver as yours someday, but yours will never change."

Fleur threw her arm across her eyes. "Ah! The hardship of being part Veela!"

Bill laughed, reaching around Fleur to tickle her. She shrieked and tickled him back. After struggling and laughing, making the swing jerk wildly, Bill breathlessly asked, "Truce?"

"Of course." Fleur cuddled up against Bill again, arranging the blanket over their legs to keep out the chill in the air, the swing still creaking.

"So, do the other houses have seasons?"

"Yes. Spring is for Hufflepuff with the black and yellow bees buzzing everywhere, summer is Slytherin with the bright green of the trees and grass, and winter is for Ravenclaw because the sunlight reflecting off the icicles on the trees is sort of blue."

"That last one particularly is a stretch," Bill chuckled.

"It works best for Gryffindor."

"What about those orange leaves? Orange isn't a Gryffindor color." Bill winked at Fleur.

Fleur smiled. "The orange is for Quidditch season and Ron's Chudley Cannons."

"The orange leaves are the Cannons' consolation prize?" Bill and Fleur both laughed. "I can't believe Ron passed that obsession on to Louis," Bill sighed dramatically, "but the game next week will be fun, even though they'll lose."

"We see the children more now that they 'ave left home than we did when they were in Hogwarts."

"That's true. And we are all alone in an empty house. Why don't we go inside and curl up together in front of the fireplace? We'll still hear the wind whistling through the leaves, but can stay warm. We can drink some wine, eat homemade bread and that cheese you love. Then we can have . . . dessert." Bill waggled his eyebrows.

Fleur kissed Bill softly on his lips. "Let's have dessert first."

4.
Title: The Autumn of His Life
Words: 399
Rating: R
Warnings: character death
Author's Notes: The quote, the quote. How can I make something morbid out of that quote?

Crunch, crunch.

Leaves crackled under Victoire’s feet as she walked up the path of her childhood home. The noise was too loud in her ears, a reminder of how anal her mother had been about keeping the walkway clear of detritus.

Snap, crackle.

The way the twigs broke sounded like those times in her childhood when her father had come home and cracked his knuckles, asking where his beautiful girls were and weren’t they going to welcome him home? She would squeal as Bill twirled her and her sister and her mother around and then toss her brother into the air.

Later in life, especially once their mother died, it sounded like his bones and joints protesting. It told of the time he’d no longer been able to lift her at all.

Hissssss, siiiiiigh.

The wind soughed through the drying grasses and leaves. Victoire trudged to the door, determined, and shivered, hearing her mother’s last breath and her father’s deep sobs.

Why have I come back? she wondered, hand resting on the cold doorknob. She breathed deeply, filling her lungs with crisp air.

“Because,” she murmured, “he asked you to.” She reminded herself of that as she slammed her shoulder into the door to open it. There was a time it hadn’t squealed or stuck at all.

Whoooosh.

The wind’s wailing muted after the door closed. Victoire’s shoulders relaxed, and she remembered how safe this place had felt growing up. It felt empty now. Abandoned.

“What was it he wanted again?” she muttered. Ah, there, on the mantle. That picture. “Oh, yes.” The entire family crowded into the frame, but her Mum and Dad were front and center with Victoire, Dominique and Louis. Victoire cradled it in her hands, that memory of happier times. Back when they weren’t scattered, when all the cares of the world hadn’t settled onto her shoulders. When her father wasn’t dying, in the autumn of his life.

She returned via Apparition to her father’s room in St Mungos, a liberty only Healers such as she had. But it was too quiet. The walls echoed with silence, the hush acute after the sounds of the season.

It was too late. He was gone, though he lay in the bed. Gone, before she could tell him she’d found it again—the family, the feeling of home.

Silence.

Gone. Again. The picture dropped, the glass shattered.

Gone.

View Poll: Challenge Six Voting

Attention!

leigh_adams — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 01:38:01 GMT

DRABBLES ARE DUE BY MIDNIGHT TOMORROW!

♥ If you're confused about what time that is for you, go here and check.

♥ Submit your drabbles as a comment to the Challenge Six post.

♥ We're still waiting on drabbles from:

~~starstruck1986~~
illusionrain
~~gelsey~~
goeungurl

Round Two: Challenge Six

leigh_adams — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:26:21 GMT

It's time for the sixth challenge of our RUMBLE ROUND here at bwfd_ldws. But before the wild rumpus begins, let us go over the rules...

♥ All drabbles must be submitted in a screened comment to THIS post.

♥ Drabbles must be between 300 and 400 words.

♥ Drabbles are due by Sunday, midnight GMT. Go here to see what that means for you.

♥ Please DO NOT post them anywhere until after the winner of this week's challenge has been revealed. Also, you may have a beta reader, but they better be able to keep a secret!

♥ Skips are available! If you are going to use yours, please contact one of the mods (fiery_flamingo or leigh_adams) IMMEDIATELY. Remember, you get one skip. After that, we deduct five points from your overall score for each non-submission.

♥ Please reply in a comment to THIS post with your drabbles using this header:

Title:
Words:
Rating:
Warnings:
Author's Notes:

Everyone got that? Ready for your sixth challenge? Allons-y!

Challenge Six: Autumn

"A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made. The acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air." -Eric Sloane

OR

This picture (cut for size)

Word Count: Between 300 and 400

Remember, you only have to use one of the prompts. However, you are more than welcome to incorporate both!

As soon as we recieve your drabble, your name will be crossed off this list. Remember, they're due by midnight. GMT on Sunday!

Participants
1. mollywheezy*
2. starstruck1986*
3. illusionrain*
4. gelsey
5. goeungurl*

*Indicates those who have used their skip.

C'est tout! Bonne chance!