Fan Fiction writer

Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/helenavonvalsa

[helenavonvalsa]

After Two Years of Illness, I Finally Updated Beneath Skin and Bane

Hi all,

I’ve been writing my Lumione fic for ages because I genuinely love digging into messy themes like morality and the blurry line between good and evil. It’s always been my happy place.

Two years ago, life decided to go full dramatic plot twist on me and I was diagnosed with an incurable illness. Due to health reasons I wasn't able to write (or do anything other than making sure it didn't get worse) My career turned upside down; I had to make tough decisions. 2/10, would not recommend.

Very, very slowly things have improved. And yesterday, for the first time in two years, I finally managed to post a new chapter. Yay!

It might not seem huge, but to me it’s massive. Being able to return to this story, and rereading the incredibly kind comments from the lovely Lumione community (we're so niche), has given me more strength than I can properly put into words.

Thanks for being wonderful.

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[helenavonvalsa]

Lucius Malfoy giving you that smoldering look

What I imagine him to have looked like in his 30s

I love this retro visual aesthetic of the 70s. Unfortunately, I don't know who the artist is, but I found the picture here

[helenavonvalsa]

Crookshanks POV

I had a blast writing parts of the latest chapter of Beneath Skin and Bane from the POV of Crookshanks. Some excerpts:

That silly blond boy threw himself into Hermione’s arms like a lost kitten. What a disgrace, considering it was mating season. Crookshanks shot him one last look of disdain before prancing back onto his sleeping pile. No chance for him to mate if he acted this ludicrous.

The next morning, Crookshanks stared down at the impudent boy who had taken over his morning sleeping place, sullying it with his smell. He tried to wake him up by shoving his paw against his face. When that did not work, he climbed onto him to crush him with his weight. At last, he woke up and rushed into the bathroom, where he honked up as if he had eaten too many bones from his last prey. Undignified idiot.

It was time he confronted the man-kitten. After all, Crookshanks was known for his lethal paws of steel, fast like lightning, quiet like a shadow. Paw, paw!

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[helenavonvalsa]

One of my most favourite scenes in Bridgerton Season 1. Not only because it's hot but also because I'd written a scene like that in Beneath Skin and Bane FanFiction years ago!

[helenavonvalsa]

Lucius Malfoy

Is this Lucius Malfoy? It is Lucius Malfoy!

(at least in my imagination)

I've found the original illustration on tumblr but immediately thought that this looks like Lucius Malfoy. The pose, cold eyes, and smart attire gives off such an aristocratic and regal vibe, especially with the pelt around his shoulder. Overall, very sexy.

[helenavonvalsa]

Chapter 19: Exploring Boundaries

An excerpt of the latest chapter of Beneath Skin and Bane...

Lucius’ lips brushed against her ear. “You’ve entertained thoughts of me for quite some time, haven’t you?”

A shudder went through Hermione’s body. The embarrassment clung to her like an obstinate fever, making her break out in sweat.

Lucius’ breath was hot against her ear as he continued, “Why are you so certain that you refrain from acting on your desires because of guilt and shame? Could it not also be a matter of safeguarding your pride? Indulging in your desires would undoubtedly leave you in a vulnerable state, would it not?”

She pulled Lucius to eye-level, opened her mouth and formed the words ‘fuck you’ without voicing them.

His eyes glinted in mild amusement. “My words may be uncomfortable, but I have no intention of hurting you…unless it brings you pleasure.”

“In case you forgot, Lucius, I’m the one with the wand.”

“Of course you are,” he said, tracing a finger along her jawline. “What would you have me do for you, my proud lioness?”

Despite the rising heat in her stomach, goosebumps formed on Hermione’s skin. “Kiss me,” she whispered.

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[helenavonvalsa]

It's getting steamy between Hermione and Lucius in the latest chapter of Beneath Skin and Bane.

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[stainlesssteellocust]

come to think of it, more movies should introduce their characters like The Death of Stalin did

[helenavonvalsa]

Probably the most delicious entrance in a film. I simply love Jason Isaac's acting. The lines, the Yorkshire accent he used... everything was spot on!

[helenavonvalsa]

“You’ve battled seasoned Death Eaters and werewolves during the war, but behave like a helpless girl in the presence of a bathing man?” “Not any man. You!” “I take that as a compliment.”

More delicious banter between Hermione and Lucius in the latest chapter of Beneath Skin and Bane. It was difficult to find the right mood for the last scene and to decide what should be explicit and what should be left to the imagination. I'm happy with the result and find them both quite hilarious (I was sniggering most of the time while writing the dialogue).

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[helenavonvalsa]

One of the most touching comments I've ever received for my fanfiction Beneath Skin and Bane (ao3 / ff.net). It's my eyebleach :-)

[helenavonvalsa]

The latest chapter of Beneath Skin and Bane discusses the topics of forgiveness and redemption. It was a challenging chapter to write but important for the story to go forward. It's interesting to think about why a man like Lucius Malfoy thought it a great idea to become a Death Eater. Was it the lust for power and influence or the fear of losing it? Was it to prove a point, but then to whom? And why does he now regret it? Why does he truly seek redemption? Those are interesting questions I'm going to answer through my fan fiction.

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[helenavonvalsa]

This is how I always imagined Draco to look like as a young adult.

Although Beneath Skin an Bane is a Lumione, I decided to write some chapters from Draco's POV. It's very fascinating to explore Draco's inner conflicts and his relationship with his father. I am currently working on another chapter from Draco's POV.

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[helenavonvalsa]

As I posted this meme on Reddit, let me add: It's not a bug in my creative writing process, it's a feature.

[helenavonvalsa]

The library of the Garden Palace in Vienna

When I was writing chapter 14 of Beneath Skin an Bane, there was a scene in which Lucius met a certain prince. After the meeting, Lucius complained:

"Damn him! He insists on the Rubens' tapestry for the child! To complete his collection. Can you believe that? He doesn't even have the space to hang the Decius Mus cycle chronologically in his obscene Garden Palace, where he keeps them all. The tapestry has to be hung in a separate room along with the others. Pah!"

It was such a joy writing this scene and having Lucius complain about the Garden Palace, which is such a beautiful summer residence. Moreover, it houses parts of the probably most precious private art collection in the word (although how can I say it's private if it belongs to a sovereign...). I've never seen art in such a pristine condition! It felt like a dream and I practically hovered through the rooms. Among others, I took a photo of the library which had such an intimate atmosphere.

It must be a joy working as a registrar or art curator of the princely family.

If you ever are in Vienna, I highly recommend booking a tour of the Garden Palace. It's a very special experience.

Here's a photo of parts of the Decius Mus cycle with tapestries and oils. Because the cycle is too long or the room too small, it cannot be hung chronologically. Talking about #richpeopleproblems

[helenavonvalsa]

What to do with all the growing number of "working pages"?

This is the number of pages consisting of outtakes and scenes yet to be published (╥﹏╥)

The amount of shit I produce is unbelievable... At this point I'm honestly just happy that I've got readers.

[helenavonvalsa]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

I finally made my own personal writing blog since I resumed working on my fanficion "Beneath Skin and Bane". Since November I've published 3 new chapters and currently working on chapter 17 :-)