HP recs: Harry/Draco short fics
Posted on October 15, 2007
Filed Under HP recs masterlist, HP recs |
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Go to: Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy. Part 1: Long fics (over 50K words)
Go to: Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy. Part 2: Medium-length fics (~15 to 50K words; stories you can read in one go but it will take some time)
Fics are sorted in alphabetical order by title (articles excluded).
acts, by Abaddon (nothingbutfic) []
R. Summary: that’s the way the story ends. a very anti-h/d h/d fic.
All His Saints, by Setissma (or here) #
NC-17. Summary: It was eleven o’clock when Harry heard the knock on the door. He very nearly didn’t answer.
Anatomy of a Dysfunctional Relationship, by Zahra (hackthis) #
NC-17. Summary: Some things defy logic.
April Showers, by Zahra (hackthis) #
PG. Summary: Harry used to live alone.
Arcadia / Gloria, by Abaddon (nothingbutfic) (or off LJ) #
PG. Summary: There but for the grace of God go I.
Assurance, by Aja []
G. Summary: Harry’s POV as he and a certain Slytherin examine their changing attitudes toward one another.
Atrophy, by Aja #
NC-17. Summary: “Oh, get over yourself, Potter,” he snapped irritably. “Nothing is because of you. Certainly nothing that concerns *me*.”
Despite the NC-17 rating, this is not one of the hottest fics to read, but it’s definitely one of the strangest. Very memorable and well-written, but then again, Aja can’t lose her writing skill all of a sudden, now can she? Fat!Draco OMG!
Bad Blood, by Calanthe #
Harry/Draco, very NC-17, ~10K words. Summary: Draco Malfoy is not the man he used to be. In fact he barely feels human at all. Warning(s): Werewolf!Draco. Extreme bloody violence and death (not Harry or Draco). Non-con and/or dub-con (depending on your viewpoint). Infidelity. Het relationship references. DH-compliant. Set post-epilogue.
I’m not sure I can find words to rec this fic. It’s extremely gory; it’s the goriest story I’ve read. It’s disturbing. But somehow I didn’t find it squicky. The scene where the wolf devours its victim, brr and wow. I was reading it and wondering why it wasn’t making me give back my dinner. Then I realised that it was making me understand a carnivore’s mindset: hunt, food, mating, etc. It’s really fascinating. And Calanthe’s power of description, of penetration into detail, is unlike anything I’ve seen in fanfiction.
So yes, the story is violent, shocking, and disturbing. But also tender, surprisingly. As I said to the author, I wouldn’t mind knowing what Harry was doing in that forest and who it was that Draco ate, and what Harry was saying when he came to Draco, but I realise that for the wolf (and Draco’s split mind) those things are insignificant. But if you’re as pointlessly curious as I am, here are the author’s answers. All in all, a very interesting story, and one of the most interesting ones about werewolves that I read.
Bad Faith, by Llama #
PG-13. Summary: A Malfoy never loses, even if they don’t win.
A small wonder that had me all confused but charmed. Not saying anything, just go read and believe me, it’s fantastic!
new Best Interests, by pikkalam_sri []
Harry/Draco, PG-13, ~10000 words. Team EWE. Summary: Andromeda’s death leaves Harry to take care of little Teddy Lupin. What will he do when Draco Malfoy comes looking for an heir?
I like reading about Harry raising Teddy; those are among my favourite EWE scenarios. I can’t say I bought into Draco or Narcissa’s characterisation here but that’s not because they are OOC or their behaviour is unbelievable. They aren’t and it is, as for me. The story is just light on character psychology and motivation. We can see what they do but not always why. Another thing not to my tastes was the ending: IMO it was too easy and mushy, especially what Teddy does. But there are lots of lovely and vivid scenes in this fic, some moving, some amusing. I liked Harry, Teddy, the custody agreement, the dinners in Malfoy Manor. Pleasant reading.
Blue Vase, by Ivy Blossom ##
PG. Summary: Draco finds Harry after the war working as a type setter. He means to get revenge on him, but watching him seems more satifying. One day Harry’s memory vanishes. What will Draco do then?
Reading this story is like watching your tired beloved one sleep. But pj is a ridiculous reader: it was the first story of Ivy’s that I read, and I didn’t like it then. However, some time later it began coming back to me: the way Harry always looks at his feet crossing the street to his mundane work; the way local children let him be; the way he occasionally falls asleep when watching sunset. Ivy chooses the smallest details to show his now deliberately small and uneventful life, and those details create the atmosphere of almost unbearable quiet sadness - how Draco walks several steps behind the oblivious Harry on his (their) long strolls, and how it feels as if they were together. Then one day Harry stops dead in the street, having lost his memory. And the magic of Ivy’s fantasy becomes even stronger.
“Harry asked him questions. What did he do for a living, where did they meet, where are his mother and father. Draco answered with the most lovely of lies; he was a freelance journalist, they met at a park, each walking other people’s dogs; his mother and father had died in a tragic accident a year ago. Harry had been living here for three years. They ate and talked. Draco explained magic, and showed Harry where he kept his wand (in the desk drawer).”
Draco lies; he can’t shatter Harry’s serene life, and they begin living in the world woven of his beautiful lies. And Draco almost believes them himself. Then one day Harry remembers that the vase was blue.
Bond, Shag, or Crucio? by mereol (or here) []
R. Summary: “I hope you all realise how asinine this situation is,” says Draco as he looks down his nose at the assembled party.”
I can’t say I figured out everything to do with the game that is the main plot-moving thing here, or with Harry and Hermione’s relationship. But it was certainly interesting to read. I liked the mood. All those hints at how Harry changed and where he’s been and the very idea of the repeat course after so many years. I suspect that all the things that are left untold are written so deliberately, but even if it’s accidental, it anyway makes a pleasant effect. There are typos in the last quarter, but although I am a grammar nazi of sorts, they didn’t keep me from enjoying the story.
Borrowed Time, by CuteCoati / Leporella (also here or here) #
R. A/N: Written for session 1 in wizard_trauma, challenge # 21: Character A deals with the loss of a spouse/significant other. Summary: Draco is supposed to live on. Yet how can he possibly endure being without Harry? (Warning: previous character death)
After Harry’s death, Draco slowly sinks into insanity. I loved how it was done here. Probably the formal device the author used is what creates the fine balance: it distracts the readers a little, not letting the fic become too angsty. Multiple POVs and styles help a lot. An interesting, engaging and evocative piece.
Boxing Day, by Yeats #
NC-17. Summary: After the war is won and the world is made anew, Harry Potter finds he doesn’t understand this one nearly as well as the old.
By its premise and even mood this fic resembles Femme’s Snape/Draco Smutmas fic A Prelude To A Kiss. The world has changed, and the new order is not that pleasant. Harry’s still a poster boy, a super Auror. Draco is a smuggler who helps people run away to the continent. Seaside, sort of dystopic world, that’s where the resemblance lie. The plot is different though. I didn’t quite see Harry’s motivation in this story, but I liked how the author showed what’s happened to the wizarding world, and I liked the atmosphere of the fic. Fascinating, interesting reading, well-written.
new Brother, Confessor; Lover, Redeemer, by Empathic_Siren []
Harry/Draco, R, ~10000 words. Team Canon. Warnings: Epilogue compliant. Summary: Harry is running from his past, but it won’t leave him alone. Can a string of anonymous confessions help him confront everything and move on?
Probably has the most original settings of all the fics posted iin the HD Wordcup so far (prompt 2: Judgment). It also has a title that is different and wonderful, original OCs. Brindle’s Yard is truly magical, both literally and metaphorically, and the very idea of the place is a metaphor turned into reality. The anonymous exchange of confessions is as cliché in HD fiction as it gets, but the way it’s done here, the Daily Confessional board, is like nothing I’ve seen. I was absolutely enraptured with the story — but the ending didn’t make sense to me at all. It seemed rushed or under-explained, not what but why and how; not concerning what happened there but in respect of both storytelling and character motivation. The entire story showed us an escapist’s paradise but then [highlight to read]: Draco said that it wouldn’t work, Harry agreed, and off we go to the epilogue-compliant end. I’m sorry, I don’t believe.
It’s me though, but what doesn’t make sense to me might be perfectly reasonable for you. And secondly, the settings and Douglas are awesome. So give it a try, if you haven’t yet.
Business As Usual, part 2, by RurouniHime (or here) #
R. Summary: Harry’s Christmas isn’t shaping up the way he’d imagined it would.
For the first half of the story, I thought it was made on one device — the image of Draco Malfoy, billionaire, the richest person in the Wizarding world, the owner of a huge business empire, whose life is all business, with house-elves popping in every five minutes, other business people trying to get an audience, and so on. It was a charming image for sure, written in great detail, but it wouldn’t be enough to keep the story together. What keeps it together and makes it work, as for me, is the conflict of Harry’s and Draco’s view of the relationship. And a marvellous, charming resolution. I was cooing by the end, and the fic isn’t even fluffy! It’s a bit of a shipper’s fic ‘cos we never see where the attraction comes from; this Harry just lusts after this Draco, and you have to take it for granted. But if you can, it’s a really enjoyable story.
Checkmating, by Mahaliem #
PG-13; also Ron/Millicent. Summary: “In hopes of convincing Voldemort supporters to change sides, Ron decides that he and Harry should pair off with Slytherins.”
This is a sweet (but not overly so), funny novellette from the author of A Slytherin in Gryffindor Clothing. I woudn’t want to spoil the plot, but believe me, it’s an absolutely charming, light and very funny fic. Oh my, I’m giggling remembering it :) Have a quote:
Each morning, Millicent was bombarded with a new gift. When Ron sent her wildflowers he’d picked himself, she whacked him in the face with them, saying that she was allergic. He told her that he should’ve known that she was the delicate sort.
Ron sent her only cinnamon-flavored Bertie Bott beans after bribing Pansy (with the surviving chocolates) into telling him it was Millicent’s favorite flavor. She blew them at him with a straw. Afterwards, he complimented her on her aim and her excellent lung capacity.
Cicadas, by rhoddlet (or here) #
NC-17. Author’s notes to the story.
Clear as Mud, by Scoradh (also here or here) #
R. Part of The Eros Affair fest. Scenario Number Thirty: Draco to Harry, “I promise not to discuss our sex life with our friends.” Summary: One could be said to have stretched the term ‘friends’ rather far.
This fic features a most original *set* of original characters that reminded me of picaresque and naturalism novels of the 18-19th centuries at once. It’s eerie and strange in ways those novels are, when they make you hang on the brink of yelling at the main character, “What in the nine hells did you get yourself into? Look around! What are you doing among this people?” You British people will probably find better examples, but it made me think of Great Expectations, Oliver Twist and Manon Lescaut. I’ve never read anything like this in HP fic. Fascinating, wonderful stuff!
Closure, by Juxian Tang ##
NC-17. Summary: Years later old enemies meet again.
Closure never ceases to move me. It’s a one-shot, but I’m always a bit out of breath when I finish it. I love its rhythm.
Two old enemies accidentally meet in the shop where they met for the first time ten years ago. Draco, from whose POV the fic is written, is rather bitter and contradictory, which is no news. As soon as he sees Harry after all this time, he feels the old habits surge up and starts baiting Harry in his usual ways. But too much has changed; they are different now — for one, Harry is blind. So Draco observes him, tries to get to him, and then follows him out, not knowing what made him do it.
I think that what affects me most of all in this story is the nearly untraceable, smooth change in Draco’s view of Harry. It glides, then makes several sharp leaps. (”…my beautiful”; “And I want him”). There are many precious little details which make the story almost real: Draco thinks that Narcissa would disapprove of his quick agreement; Harry’s hands seem too big for the thin wrists. All the details are very well drawn out.
The story is moving without pressing readers’ emotional buttons too hard. It’s one of my favourite H/D fics of all times.
A sequel-drabble for the definite-happy-ending whores (third down).
Cold Hands, by Ivy Blossom (or here) []
R. Summary: Harry has cold hands.
Comfort Food, part 2, by Arsenic Jade (or here) #
Past Harry/Zacharias, NC-17. Summary: Harry never falls for the nice guys. Warnings: slight BDSM.
I’m not sure what makes Harry take up such a case as Malfoy in the first place, save maybe for Harry’s rescuing-kittens-from-trees-and-saving-drowning-puppies personality. But whatever, it’s charming anyway. Those of you who like your Malfoy thoroughly humiliated, working menial jobs, hungry and poor will like it. Draco works in Fortescue’s ice-cream parlour. Harry’s an assistant coach for a pro Quidditch team. They meet when Harry goes to buy some ice cream, and a wonderful, charming story begins. It’s not fluffy but it made me coo; it’s pleasantly quiet and has charming atmosphere. Don’t mind BDSM in the warning: it’s very mild and more about character than kink. Lovely story!
Commencement, by Aja #
NC-17. Summary: Graduation. Interesting things happen on Harry and Draco’s last night at Hogwarts. Harry, Draco, slash, sex, a gazebo, and a lot of alcohol. Oh, yeah, and a Filch cameo.
Contingency, Weakness, Possession, by dorrie6 []
PG-13. Summary: Draco beats Harry at Quidditch and his universe implodes.
Cross My Name Out and Write In Yours, by zoetrope #
R. Quote: “One night, in the early days of the war, Draco disappeared.”
There are so many fics about Draco (or Harry, or anybody, actually) who has run away / was sent to the Muggle world that another fic that works with it must have something memorable to stand out in a crowd. This one, as for me, has that necessary ’something’. I still sort of keep reading it in my mind a month or two after I read it for the first time.
Malfoy disappeared. War ended. Everybody has moved on. Everybody except Harry who’s still bent on revenge. What will he do when he finds a guy who looks just like Draco Malfoy in the Muggle London? Very good fic.
Da Capo al Coda, by greenspine #
NC-17. Warnings: Violence, Dementors, gore, horror, death, sex, and very badly made-up Latin spellnames. Summary: “Dementors are among the foulest creatures that walk this earth. They infest the darkest, filthiest places, they glory in decay and despair, they drain peace, hope, and happiness out of the air around them.” - Remus Lupin, PoA, Ch. 10.
I can’t believe I’ve read a horror story! And liked it! But of course I read the spoilers at the end first :) I think that it could have been longer or beta-read one more time specifically for pacing ‘cos it’s a bit jerky, and I’m not sure it’s intentional. As for me, the story would be stronger had it more flesh — there are many things that are just hinted at, and I would love to learn even more ‘cos it’s fascinating stuff really. The horror also could have been dragged out a bit more (oh, look at me becoming a horror addict!). And there are occasional typos. BUT! The imagery is so vivid! It’s so strange — IMO, in a very good way. The language is clear. It has such a perfectly creepy Harry. And such a wonderfully cowed Draco. And the ending! I was, of course, properly creeped out, which, I’m sure, was the author’s intention. It made a strong impression on me. Mind the warnings though: it’s not a light reading, although it’s an interesting one.
new A Dark Place in Time, by CuteCoati #
Harry/Draco, PG, ~9000 words. Team Canon. Warnings: EWE. Summary: What on earth was her son thinking, falling for Harry Potter of all people, Narcissa wonders. But after the death of her husband, she finds him useful in many, and sometimes surprising, regards.
As I said in my comment, this is beautiful and complex, like those book illustrations from the end of the XIX - the beginning of the XX century when they knew how to do it. The writing is, as for me, impeccable. The precision with which the author picks the expressions for grief, love, tenderness, annoyance, etc is amazing. The fic isn’t plotty at all. It’s centered around a grief-stricken Narcissa’s two days. Lucius is dead and they need to hold a proper funeral, which, in current circumstances, isn’t easy. Draco is involved with Potter. It’s all seen though Narcissa’s eyes, as she moves through the day. The power of the author’s voice is incredible. Almost nothing happens but you can’t stop reading. Magical!
new Darkness Is Not the Absence of Light, by Janice Chess []
Harry/Draco, R, 13500. Team Canon. Summary: Harry only wants what’s fair for Narcissa Malfoy. But Narcissa has other plans, and Draco is willing to go along with just about anything to stay out of Azkaban.
The one that has the most canonical feel of all the fics posted in HD Wordcup so far (prompt 3: Justice), as for me. I absolutely believed that this is the Harry, Draco, and Narcissa that we met in the books. The Malfoys (all three of them) have been sent to Azkaban but Harry, remembering Narcissa’s lie that decided the outcome of the war, wants justice and fairness for all. So he uses his influence to get her out. She comes with a make-weight though: her son. But she wants more. And then there are trials of the captured Death Eaters Harry has to attend to testify and Draco who’s terrified of the upcoming trial, Malfoy grounds with the crypt, and poor Harry who’s up to his neck in Malfoys — of his own free will, too. Interesting story.
Days of Denial, by IamtheLizardQueen (or here) #
PG-13. Summary: “Harry left Draco on a Monday. Draco knows when he’ll come home.”
This is a wonderful fic for the shippers or for those who like poetic writing, quiet and atmospheric, with gentle, lulling rhythm. It’s succinct and well-organized, every detail works. But if you aren’t a H/D shipper, probably it’s not for you ‘cos Harry and Draco here are just a sketch, not fully developed characters. The fic doesn’t answer the question how they got together and how they assumed such domestic roles. Pleasant reading, soaked with melancholy but not traumatic.
Thursday. Harry would return today.
It had taken a lot of searching, but Draco had finally comprehended that Harry would not be satisfied with leaving one or two days. No, when Harry wanted to make a point, he followed through with his actions. Three days, that’s what Harry was waiting for. If he left Monday afternoon, then he would return Thursday afternoon. It all made sense, and Draco felt relieved.
The Dead Boy, by Rurounihime (or here) []
PG-13. Summary: Draco Malfoy visits Harry Potter’s grave. Warning: Character death? Hmmm.
The Death of a Soul, A Blowjob Beneath a Table, and the Rain of Toads That Followed, by Phaballa (or here) #
NC-17. Summary: Severus Snape was dying. Not in the way that one normally thinks of as dying, what with the failing of body and mind and so forth. He was barely fifty years old after all, and considering his genetic makeup (recent history notwithstanding, of course, and adjusting for his rather disgusting Muggle father whose blood would no doubt decrease his life span by no less than five years) Severus had at least another seventy-five years left to live. He was in his prime, really, but instead of being on his third glory-seeking wife and seventh trollopy mistress he was stuck inside this school, dying. Warnings: Gratuitous snark, rimming, slight bondage-y element (it’s really small, you’ll hardly feel it).
Sparkling bright and very unusual, even brilliant. Fantastic dry humour. What totally bought me here is that despite the fic being rather formalised, which I don’t usually like, it works here, it’s not overdone. fun and enjoyment guaranteed!
Desires what is Understood, by Ivy Blossom #
PG-13. Summary: Draco mulls over the last two years of school in the dark when Harry wanders outside. Draco tabulates the events that lead him to believe that Harry has feelings for him, and inadvertantly vice versa.
Do the Sick No Harm, by Marks (or here) #
NC-17. Summary: Harry rejected the hero racket and decided to take over the hospital wing at Hogwarts, but his chosen career also means taking care of the staff. All of the staff.
I’d been waiting for the second fic by the amazing lulu_latrina since the first one had been published in the Reversathon that year. She turned out to be Marks :) This fic is a bit cliché, but still very enjoyable. Harry took after Madam Pomfrey and works as Hogwarts healer. I’ve seen him working as a healer in HP fics, but never like this. “Madam Potter” Hee :))
Draco Malfoy is a Stupid Wanker, by Emma Grant (or here) #
R, a brief mention of Harry/Ginny. Summary: During the course of HBP, Romilda Vane’s crush on Harry Potter evolves into a slashy obsession with Harry and Draco.
The fic is about you. And me, and the other girl here. This is meta disguised as a story, but opposite to many a piece of meta I’ve seen, this one is a good story, a very funny one too. It’s a wonderful fandom parody, but it has more to offer you! Romilda Vane is trying to make Harry her boyfriend, but on the way, having spent so much time observing Harry, he notices something odd about him. Romilda is fleshed out so well that you can’t help getting a bit wistful on her behalf and that of Draco and Harry, and all of us too. But mostly it’s just hysterically funny, clever, witty, and wonderfully written. The story is merged with 6 year canon seamlessly, giving the book an entirely new meaning because the events (or traces of them) are seen by a minor character who is, besides, an obsessed fangirl. Just go read whether you are a fan of H/D or not at all. You won’t regret it!
Draco, Merrily on High, by Blythely (or here) #
R. Remus/Tonks, Harry/Mince Pies. Summary: Let Nothing You Dismay, Or, Crazy Carolling Fic.
Dream Eater, by Ivy Blossom #
PG-13. Summary: He comes to love their dreams, their dream selves. Draco visits people’s dreams.
Eight Days in November, by Emma Grant (or here) #
NC-17. Summary: A lot can happen in eight days.
For a short fic with such a plot to work for me, it should have some details that would stick to my memory. Here it’s a pathetic and scared Draco and his long run on socked feet. Nothing especially unusual here plot-wise or relationship-wise, but it’s a really pleasant story, well-written. I enjoyed it.
Excuse Me? by kate_fire []
NC-17. Summary: random_glitch requested a fic: Harry/Draco: Malfoy’s been staring an awful lot lately. Harry wonders if there’s something wrong with his face. [Note: I adore oblivious Harry] — And so oblivious!Harry it is. I tried for just about as oblivious as I could get.
Extended Courtship, by Maya (mistful) (or here) #
PG-13. Summary: This features the Underwater Light characters, and can be taken if you so desire to be in the Underwater Light universe. But I seriously doubt that Harry would’ve forgotten Draco and Spin the Bottle. Seriously. PG-13, pre-slash H/D.
Well-written and clever. The story is divided into chapters that show the progress of something strange between the boys from the points of view of the people around them. Minor characters (in relationship to the plot-line, they are just observers) become major in this way of storytelling. Well, Maya didn’t invent the bicycle here, but one doesn’t come across non-linear fanfiction that is this enjoyable often.
Fidelius, by coffeejunkii (or here) #
NC-17. Summary: The person sitting in front of Harry looks like someone he hated for years, but the memories don’t fit anymore. Perhaps he knew Malfoy at one point, but he has no idea who this man is, aside from a familiar name and a familiar face.
One old house, two people who slowly get together. If I had to rec this fic with one word, I’d choose “lovely.” Both Harry and Draco are softer than I’d imagine them, even five years into the future, but they don’t look OOC. If you want a really good, well-written comfort reading, this fic would be an ideal choice.
Finale: The Options, by Zahra (hackthis) #
PG. Summary: One story, three endings.
Flight of the Draco Malfoy, by Zionsstarfish #
PG. Summary: The seventh years try their hands at Animagus Transfiguration.
Adorable! Absolutely aww! And clever, given what kind of animal Harry turns into. An ideal fic to lighten your mood.
For the Birds, Acropolis and Enfants, by Blythely #
PG.
Four Letter Words, by breed (weatherby) #
NC-17. Summary: Malfoy brings a pornographic novel to school in an attempt to be cool again.
Freudian Slip, by Jennavere []
PG-13, humour. Summary: Two years after graduating from Hogwarts, Draco Malfoy is still obsessed with Harry Potter. Fed up, his father makes him get therapy.
Friend Like Me, by LadyVader #
NC-17. Summary: Draco’s rendition of the Love story that never was.
Genesis, by akahannah #
R. Summary: This year isn’t going to be like all the others. He just knows it. A Draco-centric reimagining of HBP. Warning: MPreg.
Good MPreg, neither sappy nor OOC. It’s an AU that retells HBP, filling in some blanks and changing some plot points, cleverly done. I’m reluctant to tell you more ‘cos you know the basic plotline if you’ve read HBP, and it would really spoil everything if I spoke about the things that are different. Suffice it to say that I really liked it. It’s not romantic. It’s rather angsty ‘cos the sixth year for Draco can’t be not angsty; add an unwanted pregnancy, and it turns out even more so. But it’s not angst galore; there’s something warm there too.
new Getting There, by sans_pertinence #
Harry/Draco, R, 14200 words. Epilogue-compliant. Summary: In which Scorpius Hyperion temporarily Misplaces his temper, Harry learns to Hate His Mobile, and Malfoy cultivates the Elusive.
It was lovely and amusing. Grey Hunter pointed this story from the HD Animagus fest to me saying that there’s an Animagus transformation of my dream there. Yeah, there certainly is :) even though it’s a minor detail. Another minor detail that I totally loved was what Draco did with his hair. Hear me laugh and coo. The writing style is a bit too dense for me and the author likes big words more than I do, but it’s a pleasure to read anyway. I loved Harry here, observant in some things but hopelessly clueless in others, such as family life. I loved Draco, his snark and his career even though most of it goes on off-stage. Albus and Scorpius starting with a fistfight and coming to friendship were also written wonderfully. Interesting story, fun and pleasant!
Girl Stuff and the Boys, by GatewayGirl (or here) ##
NC-17. Summary: Written for Perposterice to fulfill the summary Hermione and Draco become head boy and girl stuff happens! Hermione was chosen for Head Girl, but has managed a magical sex change over the summer. Now Hogwarts has two Head Boys, but Draco wants his counterpart’s advice in a few things … and Harry wants to know if Malfoy wears lipstick.
Brilliant smut! I’m not that much into gender-bending or x-dressing but when it’s written like this, who could resist! Hermione decides to become a boy, so now Hogwarts has two headboys and they are becoming suspiciously chummy in spite of the fact that on of them is Draco Malfoy and the other, former Hermione Granger. Harry, of course, suspects something. And of course he goes to any lengths to investigate. Ah, Harry, don’t bite off more than you can chew! Delicious fic, hot like hell, clever and amusing!
Gone Down The Angel On A Lonely Night, by Femme #
NC-17. Summary: Eight years after the end of the war, Harry stumbles upon Draco in an unexpected place: Islington.
This is a mystery/detective story where both Harry and Draco have reasons to live among Muggles. Harry’s making a career in the police. Draco isn’t so well-adjusted. I don’t really understand what didn’t click with me during the first reading ‘cos on the second one, I loved everything: the very mystery, the wonderful details of Harry’s work, everyday life, and his sexual identity crisis; I loved Snape here (wah, so sad!). The pacing is really good; the style is pleasant. And I loved the title. Really, it was just a story for another day, and I’m happy I decided to reread it. Sheer pleasure!
Grim, by Mahaliem #
PG-13. Summary: Post-war, Post-Hogwarts. Harry lived alone.
Now this fic is unlike what you’d expect from Mahaliem, both in themes and style. Harry lives as a recluse. One day a stray dogs adopts him. The story tells us about grief and guilt and learning to live when there’s no motivation for it, and then learning again. Sad but lovely and heartwarming.
Happiness Involving a Tea House, by Nope #
PG-13. Summary: Draco stops for tea and gets company as well.
Harry/Draco crackfic for ella_bane, by GMTH #
R, meta-fic.
This is a meta fic, and the funniest one I’ve read in ages. The author who doesn’t like Draco has to write a H/D for her friend. Poor, poor boys :D Hilarious!
Harry Potter and the Inconvenient Condition, by Mirabella #
R. Summary: Harry comes back from vacation with an inconvenient case of vampirism and must learn to cope with blood, Malfoy, and recalcitrant secretaries. And if that doesn’t tell you everything about the plot you need to know, you haven’t read enough badfic. Warnings: Relatively mild bloodplay, as close to consent issues as I’m likely to get.
Would you like a vampire fic? No? Then what about a *good* vampire fic? A funny, ironic one? A really well-written one? A cleverly constructed one? Every other reader despises vampire!fic ‘cos the majority of them are trash (isn’t it so with any cliché?). Mirabella seems to be physically unable to write badly or even ‘a bit less than very well,’ so go read, it’s enjoyable in all respects.
House Colours, by Sarka #
R, mentions of Ginny/Dean and Neville/Luna, AU. Summary: ficlette said: I will infinitely love anyone who can pull off a good Slytherin!Harry/Gryffindor!Draco. Honestly. Kinks include: possessiveness, jealousy, ties, and secrecy.
I think the fic is delightful. It’s pretty fast-paced and engaging. I suspect that canon nazis or those who have a strict view of the house of Slytherin (how they act, behave, etc) or magic could find things to dislike in this fic. As I’m no canon nazi, I enjoyed the ride and had a really great time. The potential irritants I mean are: 1) Occlumency/Legilimency as Dark Magic — canonically, it’s not dark; it’s just a special branch of magic. But seeing as this fic is AU, I don’t mind that it’s made dark. 2) Slytherin!Hermione who’s essentially the same as Gryffindor!Hermione. IMO it works just fine. It’s a matter of interpretation: you either see certain personality traits of hers as bravery and acts of friendship or as cunning and ruthlessness. As for the rest? I believed in Gryffindor!Draco, especially as the fic developed and more details (including those of the past) were revealed. I loved Neville, Luna and Ron. I found Slytherin!Harry a bit less persuasive but charming nevertheless. All in all, this is my favourite fic from the two issues of H/D Prophet I read from top to bottom.
In The Flesh: part 1, part 2, by Carylic #
NC-17. Summary: Everybody gets tired of simply watching. Eventually they’ll want more.
Yet another take on the rentboy theme, but this time it’s really well-done. Once a month, Harry who has a loving girlfriend and a convenient life comes to a strip club and orders the same… guy. One day the guy is on the sick leave, and who turns up in his stead? Draco Malfoy, of course. Draco who works in this very strip-club. Or does he?
The story is intense; it has several sharp plot-twists. Very enjoyable reading.
The Inner-Workings of Coincidence, by Marks (or here) #
NC-17. Summary: “Harry leaves the wizarding world, following the forced exodus of the Death Eaters’ children. Then, five years passes.”
This is a wonderful one-shot, rish with details of magical and Muggle world, which is a really pleasant surprise in such a short fic. Technically, it’s a PWP, but I’m reluctant to call it PWP because of how many different things it touches in passing. But it does feature fabulous inebriated sex :) And for once, they both left the Wizarding world, although for different reasons, and just stumble upon one another. One of my favourite H/D one-shots.
Je n’en Connais Pas la Fin Trilogy, by Zahra (hackthis) ##
PG. I: Table for Two, II: Things to do When Your Lover is Dead, III: Tea for Ghosts. Summary: “I don’t know the ending”.
I’m warning you: this is not a happy fic. It’s very short, understated, minimalistic (one could even call it dry), and has a unique author’s voice — all the trademark features of Zahra’s brilliant quill. What makes this triptych my favourite fic of hers is the sheer skill it must take to pack so much into such a small space.
The story is of the “variation” type. Three versions of how things end; all the three are heartbreaking. I admit: I’m sentimental. I’m always ready to cry over a book or film. But not like this. This story is too tiny to give you space to soak with sentiments. It punches you, and it makes you choke, and you squeak, “Don’t! You can’t do it to me!” But it can and it does. Not a word out of place, not a word to spare.
The Kiss, by Frayach []
Harry/Draco, R, 5300 words. EWE. Summary: Draco’s trial is over, and Harry remembers almost everything.
Yes, if you read H/D, you read a fic with a very similar plot ages ago. Yes, it’s one hammer to one nail all fic long. Yes, what’s happened is clear from the beginning, or from the title, to be more precise, so there’s no need in omitting naming it until the end. Yes, Frayach is chary of the reasons of things that happen in her story, as usual. And yes, the last three are what annoys me in Frayach’s writing when it annoys me. But it still works. I didn’t cry but I will remember that photograph for a damn long time. Because she’s just that good at creating a really striking, really memorable image and hammering it into your head. My hat off to her for it.
La langue, by Wordplay (or here) []
NC-17. Summary: Draco’s been away from home for far too long. Warnings: Rimming, a little dirty talk, PWP.
This is a PWP, and although it’s a really well-written one, I wouldn’t remember it because I always forget PWPs however much I might enjoy reading them. I remember this one because of a bit of original magic. There’s a really interesting magical device here that ties up everything. And smut of course, smut is good :)
new Lamp in the Cooling Room, by Sansa ##
Harry/Draco, R, ~9000 words. Team EWE. Prompt: the Lovers. Summary: Draco and Harry become snared in a trap, but they’re not alone. Love guides our path for reasons we can’t always understand.
How can I not get hooked with the beginning like this: She sings, “Here come I, the death watch beetle. Chewing away at the great cathedral.” A six-year-old Muggle girl wandered onto the Malfoy grounds and got trapped in a cabin there. Draco follows and gets stuck with her. A bit later Harry appears, having felt a dark magic burst from the location. They spend several days locked in there. The girl makes the story. She’s a precocious, self-dependent, and observant child. Her speech and behaviour are written wonderfully. Or not. I believe some might disagree and think that the girl’s voice doesn’t ring true. Thing is, the story is written from the POV of a six-year-old Muggle girl. But the ideas and observations expressed in it are way beyond a child’s comprehension, however psychologically and mentally advanced for her age she is. So I think it could help to keep in mind that the narrator and the POV character aren’t quite the same here. The girl becomes a sort of metaphor for an innocent and uninvolved bystander, but at the same time she’s very much a real girl, with real troubles, worries, creepy songs.
It’s a gripping, emotional story where all the words, gestures, and actions are highlighted by the closed space and the child who lives through them and watches them. I loved it best that she calls the guys as she hears them call each other, Malfoy and Potter. And the ending, although it made me shout, IMO is perfect for the story. Heartily recommended.
The Law of Falling and Catching Up, by Geoviki (or here) #
PG-13. Warning: addiction. Summary: Draco finds it’s easy to forget his sixth year at Hogwarts. Too easy. Written for The Eros Affair. Rated PG.
While the rest of the Eros Affair fics might blend together, Viki’s story, in my opinion, clearly stands out. Just a bit more than 5K words were enough for her to show us the ethics of magic, the details of how the spell the fic is centred on works, the pain and attraction of addiction. Her Draco is unhappy, self-indulgent and so, so vulnerable. And then there’s Harry - to keep the lights on. This is a wonderful fic.
Let Go, by Geoviki #
Harry/Draco, NC-17, shortish. Summary: There was a logical explanation for what happened between Harry and Malfoy: adolescent insanity. Not their own, though—their children’s. DH-compliant.
I don’t know how to rec this story, which you wouldn’t either, knowing my circumstances. But this story is seemingly tailored to my tastes and I liked it very, very much, so I’ll forget about any circumstances and rec it as I’d do with any other story. Harry’s kids come home for the holidays and bring with them an unidentified bag. Harry opens the bag and finds much, much more than he’d wish to find. I loved how the author wrote the grown-up Harry and Draco, how the children were very much children, interesting and lovely and realistic. I loved the plot and the fabulous OC Izzy. Clever, warm, engaging, well-written, and all in all delightful!
Let’s Pretend the War Is Over, by Pir8fancier #
PG. Summary: Post war fic. Draco spends his days debating whether or not he’s crazy. Harry is the take-away king.
The Life In Your Years, by Fourth Rose (or here) ##
PG-13. Sequel: The Life in Your Years – ten years later. Summary: Fifty years into the future, Harry and Draco are about to find out that ‘growing old together’ sounds a lot more romantic than it actually is. Warnings: Mention of previous character death. A/N: Written for session 1 in wizard_trauma, challenge # 50: If the extended wizard lifespan isn’t quite as extended for half-bloods and even less so for muggle-borns, how would this affect mixed couples? As they grow old together, they both know that one will likely outlive the other by several decades…and one may suffer the physical/mental/magical debilitations long before the other.
This fic has blown me away. Seriously. I was amazed at how thoughtful and not overdone it is. Look at the challenge and see how easy it would be to fall into angst-angst-angst or sappiness. Fourth Rose didn’t; she walked the fine line in between and made it emotional and thought-provoking in a very good way. Fabulous reading!
A Lifetime of Afters, by Furiosity #
Pairing: Harry/Draco, but it isn’t the point. Genre: Suspense/Drama. NC-17, 13000 words. Summary: In which Draco Malfoy wakes up in his bed, but no one is home. Warnings: Violence, non-con, humiliation, character death.
Very interesting story, fucks with one’s head deliciously and works a “Palantír” into HP world in a most believable way. As the summary says, Draco wakes up after the victory and finds that his parents aren’t home. He sees a header in the Daily Prophet, HARRY POTTER’S FUNERAL TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY, and another article that tells him that his parents are sent to Azkaban, Narcissa - for betraying the fact that Harry Potter was alive to the Dark Lord which led to Harry’s death. Draco remembers things to have been quite different. He decides to investigate and finds a suspicious round glass-like stone. A silly hobbit, he looks into it and sees the past that is really disturbing.
It reads as an alternate dimension fic, at least for the first part, but it turns out to be cleverer and more interesting. Your understanding of what is going on is shaken several times, the last one probably the most effective. I liked it.
A Lifetime Of Calamities Followed By Dangerous Illnesses, by Blythely (or here) #
NC-17. Warnings: Muslin shirts, communicable diseases and sarcasm.
Lights Out, by Marks #
R. Summary: “Harry’s the prisoner, Draco’s the warden who starts to believe his own lies.” Warning: Character death.
A very sad fic, maybe even sadder because it has more than one twist, but emotional and — I would even call it beautiful. It’s precisely that kind of sad fic that you want once in a while. Wonderful fic!
Like Breathing, by tartanshell [] (locked)
NC-17. Author’s notes: Five things that could have been. Some are AU.
I liked all the five versions. The events are very different but they are held together with author’s intonation and, I don’t know, common mood. They are like the glimpses of five different long stories but these glimpses are enough; they don’t make you ache for the stories to be longer. Quite charming.
Make Your Penis Huge! by Mahaliem #
R. Summary: Harry and Draco are Aurors who are assigned to work an unusual case.
See the title? See the author? Do I need to say anything else? Are you there already? No, really, I started laughing by the second paragraph. Fabulous, has a trademark dense Harry, and it’s very, very funny!
Matinee, by LadyVader []
NC-17. Summary: This is why you don’t let people film you when you’re drunk… or do you?
Maybe the Sky Will Fall, by Zahra (hackthis) []
PG. Summary: Games are not for the faint of heart.
Me and My Ferret: A How-To Guide, by Cherusha #
PG. Summary: “The Ferret is playful and has an incredible curiosity.”
This is a framed story and this is the first time I saw such an elegant take on this idea: Draco’s ‘character study’ through Harry’s eyes and with the help of an article on ferrets’ behaviour. This is for you, ferret!Draco lovers, but absolutely not the way you are used to, quite the opposite, in fact. I think this fic is not only for H/D shippers. Fascinating, well-written. Go read.
Melting the Ice, by Florahart #
Harry/Draco, Blaise/Draco implied, NC-17, 8K words. Warning(s): voyeurism, wanking, rentboys. Summary: Draco’s pursuing Harry relentlessly, Harry’s clueless, and then there’s the problem of the ‘family curse.’ DH-compliant, Epilogue ambiguous.
This is such an old trope! Draco is lusting after Harry; Harry is clueless. But it’s done so wonderfully! Amusing banter that isn’t excessive, hot sex, and really wonderful pacing. It’s a pleasure to read from the first line to the last!
Mistaken Identity, by Maxine (or here) #
NC-17. Summary: When Harry accidentally finds Draco with none other than…well, himself, he can’t help but spy on the two boys. But eventually enough is enough, and Harry decides that the tables have got to be turned.
The Monster, by Natt(ish) []
PG-13. Part of HP MPreg FQF. Wave 2. Challenge: 27: A veela and a dementor can successfully mate and produce offspring.
More Than One Way, by Ociwen #
NC-17. Summary: Draco has an accident and is taken in by Harry Potter.
I like Ociwen’s manner of writing in general, but this scenario in particular was bound to attract my attention: injured!Draco who has had a bad Apparition accident, lost his hearing, and was taken into a Muggle hospital where he was found by Harry. See Draco rant, show his porcupine-like quills, learn to walk and come to terms with his life at Harry’s.
Myth, by Misty Kasumi (postingwhore) #
PG. Summary: A shower of gardenia petals is all that separates Draco from remembering Harry, but he doesn’t know it’s so easy.
This is one of the few stories where its poetry compensates for the use of ‘emerald orb’. Draco buys a bird that sings for him every time he passes by the shop. The bird has strange green eyes. For two years Draco doesn’t leave his manor, for two years he comes to the bird’s room to listen to its songs that stir something inside him, but he doesn’t know what. He doesn’t remember.
He bought the exotic creature and left the shop, ears full of melodious singing. Why he bought the bird, Draco Malfoy did not know. He just knew that he was compelled to buy the bird, the bird that sang to him every time he passed.
The lark was placed in the Bird Room, along with all the other exquisite specimens his family owned. Unlike all the other birds, however, which were left to be cared for by the servants, Draco visited the lark everyday. He didn’t know why, but something drew him to the bird and its unnatural eyes.
It’s a very short and weird tale. I wouldn’t say the writing is beyond reproach but the imagery is beautiful, haunting.
Neither Here Nor There, by Zahra (hackthis) #
PG. Summary: Draco could die in the winter.
Never Mind The Bollocks, It’s Draco/Harry (Shake Your Groove Thing), by Geoviki (or here) #
NC-17. Summary: “This is crack!fic at its worst. Can we say cliché? Yes, yes we can. I tried to get them all.” Warning: Authorial insanity.
The. Funniest. Fic. Ever! I don’t usually like crack!fic or parodies because I rarely find them funny. But this one… I lost count of how many times I burst out laughing. Viki takes every possible cliché and combines them into a hilarious story. Very well done. It’s a must-read, believe me.
Not Quite a Love Song, in Ten Scenes, by Hijja #
PG-13/R. Summary: “Don’t hate yourself for being attracted to me,” Harry tells Draco in a dim corridor one Hogwarts morning. Things go downhill from there. A slightly different Harry/Draco romance.
This is Hijja’s parody take on H/D. It’s wicked and quite interesting. The first parts are very funny. And of course well-written, but nobody would doubt it when speaking of Hijja. The last ones will surprise you, I promise. Don’t come back to kill me :)
The Obligatory ‘Draco is a Veela’ Story that Every HP Fanfiction Author has to Write, by Mahaliem #
PG-13. Summary: Draco is part Veela. Unhappy with his chosen mate, he searches for a substitute.
As for me, this is the best Veela fic out there. It’s humorous but not a crack!fic — Mahaliem’s humour is gentle and dry; she doesn’t overdo, which so often happens in humorous fics. This story is witty and lovely at the same time; it will make you smile if not laugh, and maybe say something like, “Oh goodness, aren’t they adorable!”
Draco’s “chosen mate” turned out very much not to his tastes, so now he has a week to find a substitute. The search doesn’t go smoothly, so here you have it: a brilliantly written comedy. The more I’ll be talking the longer I’ll be keeping you from this delicious fic. Just go read it already! Satisfaction guaranteed!
The Ol’ Switcheroo, by Aspen (cursescar) # (locked)
NC-17. Warnings: dirty talk, cross-dressing, CapsLocked!Draco. Notes: For goldie, who for the Fantasy Fest requested Harry/Draco - at Hogwarts, first time (realistic/awkward), reluctant crossdressing, angry snogging, frottage, lust/desire/urgency, dialogue/dirty talk, fight for top, detailed descriptions of kisses and how things feel.
Aspen is the queen of porn (well, one of the queens). Dirty, imperfect, kinky and awfully hot porn. I’m no fan of x-dressing or H/D PWPs ‘cos despite all my enjoyment, I forget them nearly as soon as I close the window. But believe me, it’s difficult to forget Aspen’s porn. She writes it in such a way that the words that are so overused (really, same cocks, same skin, same hands) make things look fresh and very appealing. And sexy.
Old City Jasmine, by SilentAuror (or here, with pictures) #
NC-17. Summary: Harry is woken suddenly one night when Death Eaters break into his flat and is whisked away to Damascus and the wonder of the ancient world.
I wouldn’t pretend that I’ve read all SilentAuror’s fics - she’s prolific. Nor would I pretend that I liked all I did read. But of those I’ve read and liked, Old City Jasmine is my favourite. The sheer poetry of an exotic place in this fic is incredible. It’s not often that I read a fic and am overwhelmed with the desire to see the place it speaks of. I so want to visit Damascus after this story! There’s little from the HP universe here, and little magic, too, but it doesn’t spoil the fic at all. Very enjoyable reading.
On Broken Glass and sequels, by coffeejunkii []
PG-13. Summary: After the final battle, Draco is holding the shards that are left of his and Harry’s life.
One Night at the Ministry, by Maeglin Yedi (or here) ##
NC-17. Summary: One night. One party. One arch-nemesis. Lots of champagne. Now all Harry has to do is survive. Warnings: Unusual sexual situations of the humorous kind.
Brilliant and hilarious. This is a fic that is sheer joy to read from the beginning to the end. At a Ministry party, Harry decides to get drunk. So he drinks. And drinks. And then there’s Malfoy with his penis. On my, I’m beginning to giggle again. One of my most favourite fics from Smutmas that year! Wonderful, really enjoyable reading!
Ooh Something Shiny, by Cinnamon (starflowers) #
PG. Summary: Stalked through the dungeons by a wild beanbag chair, Draco and Harry have no choice but to come to terms with their differences and work together to survive. Featuring sharp, pointy rocks of doom, rabid furniture, drunken mops, and kisses in broom closets.
Humorous fics are tricky things because our sense of humour is even more different than our opinions of what is hot and what is squicky. But as for me, this fic is funny like hell. It balances between absurd, plain ridiculous, awkward, and fluffy. I was laughing out loud reading it, which doesn’t happen too often. I’d never imagine that the queen of heavy angst Cinnamon could write something like this.
Open Doors, by Zionsstarfish (or here) ##
PG-13. Summary: for the contrelamontre Flash Forward fic. Harry Potter is dead. Or is he?
I doubt anyone could resist such a charming fic! I certainly can’t. There’s a cat that wanders in to Draco’s one day. There’s Draco who’s so miserable, stubborn and Draco-ey that it’s really amusing and heartbreaking at once. There’s a handful of scenes that show precisely as much as necessary to create a unique atmosphere and explain what is needed to be explained about the characters. The language is clear like rock crystal. And the fic on the whole is warm and lovely. Marvellous reading!
The Other Side of Free, by khateh []
Harry/Draco, PG, 10K words. Summary: Harry’s career as a Seeker is on the line because of an injury. Not DH-compliant.
I’m in two minds about this fic. Firstly, I can’t say Harry and Draco are in character there. But then I can’t say they are out of character either. They are just changed ‘cos it’s set several years after Hogwarts. Besides, the author doesn’t take into account DH canon, and it even seems like not much of HBP made it into the story either, so it reads as if it were written several years ago. But the story is simply lovely. Harry’s injured his leg and has to go for a treatment to a magical hospital in Italy. When an assistant healer comes to lead him through physical therapy, he’s surprised to see it’s Malfoy. Who’s undergone a fundamental change. Have a quote:
Malfoy was looking in Harry’s general direction, but not at him and didn’t seem to register his nod. “Yeah.”
“You were informed I was coming, I hope?”
Malfoy had turned his head a bit, but again, not to look at him. Harry was surprised that there had been no sign of recognition on Malfoy’s face. Maybe he had changed more than he realized since leaving Hogwarts for the man not to recognize him, although it was highly improbable.
“Yes, Healer Mancini told me yesterday.”
“Very well then. If you would sit on the bed and get ready, we can start.”
Harry narrowed his eyes. Maybe Malfoy had recognized him and was playing mind games with him. “I am on the bed, Malfoy.”
“Oh. Well. They changed the layout of the room, then.” Malfoy started walking towards him, with small and slightly apprehensive steps. “Can you say something, please?”
Gentle story. Pleasantly written, with a peculiar quiet charm.
Paris, by abbycadabra (or here) #
R. Warnings: Character death. Summary: “So you want us to keep running? To run and hide? Until when, Malfoy? Until they win or lose? Forever?”
Picture This, by Pir8fancier (or here, password-protected) #
R. AU for 6th year, not at all HBP compliant. Summary: More games, I always end up writing about boys and games.
What I liked most of all in this fic is how the author works with wizarding photos. I think that the ethics of wizarding pictures is a very interesting topic. How do they work? Do the people in pictures feel and think for themselves or are they just pale replicas of the wizards who they portray? What kind of magic does it take? How *alive* are they? What happens to the inhabitants of a photo when the photo is torn? And what about mass copies, like newspaper shots? Every time a writer makes up an interesting concept of wizarding art or photography, I’m all theirs. In this fic it’s vivid and thoughtful, and I like the emotional involvement. I do admit that I liked the first part better, but the second one isn’t bad at all either. Good reading.
Placebo Effect, by Prosody (moonlitpages) (password-protected) #
NC-17. Summary: It’s Christmas at Hogwarts, and a prank gone awry at a Yule Ball held to boost moral yields unexpected results. Set in Harry Potter’s seventh year.
Playing House, by Sansa (also here or here) #
NC-17. Summary: Harry is supposed to be safe with Snape. Things don’t always go according to plan. Warnings: Character death - NOT Harry or Draco.
How can one not like a story where Thumbelina-like small Harry and Draco are hidden away in a doll house by a rather ambiguous Severus Snape? Something creepy is going on; Harry keeps moving his bed across the room, and Voldemort is looming somewhere nearby. Snape isn’t all nice here but I so sobbed when things went pear-shaped on him. Wonderful story, very interesting, magical, and different.
Portrait, by Silentblast []
PG-13.
The author works with Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Grey, and she does it in a rather clever and understated way. Oscar Wilde’s book sets the perspective and, therefore, suspense. You know something is going to happen, but you don’t know what and when. You know it has something to do with the portrait, and Dorian Grey casts sinister light on it all, but you’re unsure what exactly is wrong with Malfoy, or if the problem is with him at all. But it’s all written rather lightly, so you can’t be very nervous. It all is quiet and melancholic and not overly menacing. I liked it.
new Potter’s Interference, by yodels []
Harry/Draco, PG, ~8500 words. Team EWE. Summary: In the years after the war, Draco Malfoy has built a successful business that skirts the edge of legality by becoming adept at figurative sleight-of-hand. Enter Harry Potter, moral upright citizen still chasing after Draco, still suspicious of his every move. When their lives intersect in an unexpected way, will Draco be able to smooth-talk his way out of trouble?
That was fun! Not the most polished writing but I started the fic with a smile (The erumpents were stampeding — literally, mind!) and finished it with a smile, so it was fun all the way. Draco has a magical menagerie on the grounds of Malfoy Manor, selling legal and (most profitable) illegal magical animals. Harry heads and works for P.A.W.S., Preservation of Animal Welfare Society, that is trying to catch Draco in his illegal dealings. I read the fic with my copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and told the author in my comment that I want to become a magizoologist when I grow up :) Pleasant light reading.
Power, by GatewayGirl #
NC-17; AU. Summary: Draco attempts to hide from team captain Potter in the changing room. Warnings: Slytherin!Harry (heading for next Dark Lord, I’d say). Bullying. Irrelevant consent.
Powerful Men, by Frayach #
Harry/The Minister of Magic, R/NC-17, ~9000 words. Summary: The Battle of Hogwarts was lost, but after ten years of tyranny and terror, Harry Potter has finally defeated Voldemort. Slowly, those who suffered the most under Voldemort’s reign – the half-bloods, the Muggleborns and the blood traitors – emerge from their enslavement, literally and figuratively, seeking refuge and comfort and healing from a group of volunteers, organized by Harry’s friend Hermione Granger, working out of the half-ruined St. Giles-Without-Cripplegate Church. New friendships are kindled, laughter shared, and secrets spoken, and all the while a bell tolls. The final message from one man to another, whose deepest secret only now does he understand. Warnings: Rentboy; off-stage character death; and frank discussions of bodily functions, torture, grief, death and love.
Contras:
- godawfully long summary. If one needs to say so much in a summary, they should have better used the time and skill to incorporate the info into the fic.
- if not for the comm where it’s posted, I’d imagine a different character for the Minister.But:
it’s a bystander’s narration. The narrator isn’t supposed to understand either Harry or Minister very well. He’s, anyway, not close to either. And this, the bystander, makes the story we know nothing about and he knows very little about work. Good story, as for me, if not very fast. Also, 9 against 1 that I know the author, judging by the deliberately crude language and description used, often on the very brink of bad taste, and the sheer poetry of metaphors. Bell toll, anyone? Would be the second story of theirs I’m reccing this season if I’m right. ETA: yep, it’s Frayach :)
new Prodigal, by aoifene []
Harry/Draco, NC-17 for graphic violence and language, ~13300 words. Team Fanon. Warnings: AU. First Person POV. Draco-centric. Set after HBP. Not DH Compliant. Summary: One year after Dumbledore’s death, the tide turns in Voldemort’s favour and with Harry Potter locked in the Malfoy dungeons, the fate of the Wizarding World seems bleak. Who’ll save the saviour when he’s in need of saving?
The darkest of the four and the most difficult to read style-wise, as for me, from the fics posted for that prompt (The Fool) in the HD Wordcup. It seems meant for slower reading and is rather dense. The fic is not very plotty. Harry’s kept in the dungeons of Malfoy Manor and tortured by Lucius, or by ‘Lucius’ since he’s not quite himself. Draco’s task is to keep Harry alive for Voldemort, overseeing that Lucius doesn’t overdo. We don’t know everything that’s going on because of Draco’s POV: when he doesn’t, we are left in the dark too, guessing along with him. The story has an open ending in what concerns the future, but it closes an important plot-line, that of Draco’s dreams. I would call it vivid if I didn’t mean much brighter, visually definite stuff using this word usually. But it left a lasting visual impression.
Prodigal Son, by Agnes Bean #
With Ron/Hermione existing, and a good smattering of Ginny, PG-13. Warnings: Character death (Bill Weasley). Summary: How far can you let one realtionship break another? War and post-Hogwarts eras.
A side note: This is the first time I saw the character whom the author kills off named in the warning!
Now for the fic. It was late that night. I was tired. After seeing that the fic was longer than 3K words, I decided that I wasn’t going to read it right then. I was going to only copy and paste fic info in my notepad and put off the fic until morning. But I accidentally glanced at the first paragraph and caught myself when rather far into the story already. That’s a good thing, as for me. It means that the writing is either smooth and precise and the imagery is strong or it’s in tune with me.
There are a few typos, but they didn’t spoil my reading. I like how it’s written on the whole and how the author fleshes out her characters (mind, you probably won’t like it if Ginny is your favourite character — but it never turns to outright Ginny-bashing). They are adults, the same age as me, and I feel them as such, opposite to many a fic where a character’s age is just random numbers chosen for the very same teenage Harry or Draco. I think it’s an insightful relationship piece. The alternating timelines a) answer the questions about how the relationship came to be without the awkwardness most usually caused by exposition dumps, b) vivify the pacing.
There’s the air of melancholy about this story. It’s not fast, it’s not plotty. But it was still interesting to read. I liked it. But I think it might be not everybody’s reading.
Reads, by Nope #
NC-17. Summary: Harry, Draco, Books, Bodies, days in Summer and Winter and the beginning and end of everything and nothing.
This HP fic probably has the most complicated structure of all I’ve read. IMO, it’s the essence of non-linear fic. Reading it isn’t unlike collecting a puzzle but I wouldn’t rec it if I thought it had merits only form-wise. If you are attentive enough to catch the rhythm of timelines and events and if you manage to fall in sync with it, the emotional impact of this piece is very strong. It isn’t a happy story. But it’s a beautiful and very poetic one.
I realise that not all of us are professors or are used to attentive reading, so here are some clues: pay attention to fonts, tense and person. There are three different levels of the story, each of them told using different graphic means (font), tense and person combination. There’s only one plot-line; mostly it can be traced on the most plotty level, but the plot-line isn’t linear (that is, it isn’t straight, it isn’t told from the beginning to the end). The other two levels are mostly (but not entirely) character studies: one via sex, the other shows us relevant characters in a fairy-tale way. Pay attention to the details - they are relevant.
Reprieve, by Furiosity #
NC-17. Summary: Seven years after the war, Harry heads up the Auror Office’s Internal Investigation Division. One Tuesday morning, he runs into ex-Azkaban convict Draco Malfoy and after that everything turns upside down.
Hot and plotty! And longish. The fic has a detective intrigue, Draco who’s out of Azkaban and on probation, and is a really wonderful reading. One thing that irked me was a choice of operetta-style villain. (Why do people always choose this character for a villain? Well, this and the other one people love to hate.) But a bit of authorial irony saves it in the end. Draco is charming. Harry, too. They did remind me of Emma Grant’s Harry and Draco, so it shows that the unknown author did their research well considering that this story was written for Emma :) I really enjoyed it.
The Requirement, by Miggy #
R. To quote the author: “Pairing: The hell if I know. Call it a H/D fic with hardly any H/D, except there’s actually someone else being focused on (but not really). Again: the hell if I know.” I’d say, a very precise definition.
This is a very strange fic. One day Seamus brings a pile of old porn magazines and Harry finds a picture of somebody he knows. Several somebodies. The future obsession takes root. I don’t want to spoil it, but believe me, it’s weird and erotic like a dream. It’s twisted. It’s very attractive and visual. It made a very strong impression on me.
Saison d’Être, by Cedar []
PG-13. Summary: “At the end of the war, Harry packed his possessions and boarded a plane to New York, determined to forget his wizarding legacy. Eight years later, he encounters Draco Malfoy, who refuses to let Harry forget who he is.” There’s a sequel ficlet, Riding a Hole in the Ground.
This is an old fic, but I feel it’ll do good to rec old fics from time to time ‘cos the ways in which fandom remembers or forgets fics are really whimsical. This is a good fic, I have fond memories of it.
Scrap Paper, by Natt(ish) #
NC-17. Summary: “The students of Hogwarts are obsessed with origami, and everyone takes advantage of the trend in their own way.”
This is a humorous fic, and lo and behold, it’s a case when I do find a humorous fic funny. Maybe because Natt has a very peculiar sense of humour. She creates a ridiculous situation, using an understated, dry language. The effect is like a prolonged punch-line of a very good drabble. All in all, the fic is a bit absurd but also kind of sweet and adorable like puppies. I really, really liked it.
The Sea and the Shore, by Amanuensis ##
Soft R. Summary: “A Potterverse retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid.”
Forget Disney! If you’ve read Andersen’s tales, you know that they are often odd, sinister, twisted and not at all happy or light — more like folk fairy tales rather than smooth adaptations made by Brothers Grimm. Amanuensis captures the very essence of The Little Mermaid, but she doesn’t follow its plot-line literally. She takes the main metaphor of sacrifice and exchange (the mermaid gives away her main asset, her voice, for the ability to walk the land and thus win her love) and makes it work in HP-verse. I won’t tell you who the mermaid is here and what they trade; read to find it out. This is a fairy tale but not AU, and it has a perfect narrator’s voice. This is, in general, a perfect little story. I loved it!
A Sea Change: parts 1-5, part 6, by lapin_agile # (locked)
NC-17. Summary: Harry and Draco go sailing…
This is one of the H/D fics that were discussed in the respect of their target audience: who is it for? It’s certainly for H/D shippers who would swallow two bricks if they are named Harry and Draco. It’s definitely not for those who are canon-obsessed. I don’t want to say that this story is too OOC, however, I heard such opinions. What I mean is: there are such fics, especially H/D future-fics, where the author clearly shows that they thought about how the characters can change with time, where there’s magic, but when you are reading them, you nevertheless have the impression that it has very little to do with canon. This was my impression when I was reading this fic. It smells of other classic literature much more than of Harry Potter books. The author says that she wanted to develop a scene of Virginia Wolf’s. In this case, I would say, it’s Wolf/HP x-over with the strong dominance of the sea-story element over HP-verse. Ok, whatever. I just wanted to say that I liked it, style, portrayals (even if I don’t see future Harry or Draco this way, I liked them here as good original characters), sex, talks, atmosphere in general. Really, really liked it. A lot.
Second of our Reign, by wax_jism #
R. Also Sirius/Remus, Ron/Hermione. Summary: who is so safe as we? where none can do / treason to us, except one of us two.
new Serendipity, by Cara del sol (laciudad) #
Harry/Draco (Harry/Ginny, Harry/others implied), PG-13, ~10K words. Summary: There’s a reason wizards prefer pumpkin juice, all wizard-born know this. Good thing Harry was raised Muggle. Warning(s): Some license taken with certain events. Het relationship in the beginning.
I was waiting for it to be reposted to rec — it was written for the Slashfest and posted there where I noticed and liked it, but I’ve waited for a copy with fewer typos. Harry’s life falls apart when his wife learns of his past homosexual affair. She takes James and baby Albus and moves out. This is the point where the story diverges from epilogue. I loved Potter children here! I loved baby Albus and Harry’s musing on baby drool. I loved the potted plant scene. I loved what happens to Lily’s name. The fight in the park featuring the first appearance of Scorpius simply made me squee :) Lots of lovely details. It’s a very warm story despite the angsty premise. The ending is a bit too easy for my tastes but it doesn’t contradict the tone of the story. Lovely, pleasant reading!
A Single-Minded, Long-Term Fixation, by Marks (or here, locked) #
NC-17. Summary: Harry hopes for the best, expects the worst.
When post-HBP fics have began to pour after the release of the book, I more often than not found myself completely unmoved by them, particularly by H/D. They often seemed too hasty to interpret new canon, to justify the pairing existence and such. How an author explains Snape’s killing of Dumbledore fast became a sort of detector for me. It happened too often that I read a H/D fic set during HBP and said to myself, “Yeah, well, I believe it can be explained so, but the way you wrote it is neither smooth nor convincing.” Contrary to that, I really liked Marks’s fic. I liked all the hows and whys, actually. And the porn, of course.
Smoke, Mirrors and Blank Pieces of Paper, by pitchblackrose #
NC-17. Warnings: Movie!Canon, silliness.
A funny fic. Draco sends Harry animated paper animals that keep shagging on his table, in the air in front of him and so on, embarrassing Harry to no end. The sex when it comes to it is ridiculous and awkward, which means - funny and moving. All in all, a very pleasant reading.
The Sparrow Prince, by Aja #
PG; AU. Summary: “Once upon a time, in a far-off kingdom, there lived a boy named Draco, who was the fairest in all the land.”
This is a very intense story, sad, memorable, well-written. I don’t know what the proto-tale is called in English, in Russian we have a folk tale called ‘Rejuvenating Apples’ with a somewhat similar plot. Highly recommended.
Spherical Movement, by Libertine (luciusmalfoy) (scroll down to read it) []
NC-17. Summary: Angsty, short little H/D & H/G, which features denial!Harry and lisping!Draco, seven years after Vold