Snowgall's Best of Drarry Fanfiction: 2015

[snowgall]

What follows is a list of my picks for the best Drarry fanfiction of 2015
(37 fics, sorted by date published)

Note: There are so many lists of favorite Harry/Draco fanfiction, but I'm doing something a little different. Rather than create a list based on genre or length or era or whatever, I've decided to do a series of "best-of X year" lists. This means the year the work was published not the year I read it.

Once again, this list was hard to pare down! I read more fanfic published in 2015 than in any other year, and between my LJ blog and hd_storyroom, I recced 93 Drarry fics from 2015. Consequently lots of good fics aren't included on this list. In the end any list is just an arbitrary thing based on one person's no doubt flawed opinion. It says nothing about the quality of any fics not on it!

More lists:

• Best of 2015
• Best of 2014
• Best of 2013
• Best of 2012
• Best of 2011
• Best of 2010
• Best of 2009
• Best of 2007-8
• Why am I making these lists?

Title	Author	Rated	Length	Original Post	Pub Date
Right Hand Red	lumosed_quill	NC-17	73,000	harrybang	31-Jan-2015
Harry felt Malfoy's breath on his lips as they came together over the bottle, hands firmly planted on the floor as though they each needed their familiar soil, refusing to cross into enemy territory. Except that Malfoy no longer felt like his enemy. Malfoy felt inevitable. Link to my rec
Seizing Second Chances	momatu	NC-17	28,300	hd-familyfest	1-Mar-2015
Five years after Draco lost his infant son to complications following his premature birth, he sees a happy, healthy dark-haired child the same age his own little boy would have been playing on the swings in a Muggle play park. One year after the sudden loss of his wife, Harry sees Draco quietly watching children play in a Muggle play park. If they can put the past behind them, can they be each other's second chance at happiness? Link to my rec
A New Path (remix of Abandoned Destinies 2009)	oakstone730	PG	3,450	hd-remix	23-Mar-2015
The Stone of Abandoned Destinies had been given to Draco in hopes that it would show him a path out of the darkness. It had saved him, and now he hoped that it would work one more time and guide him on a new path. Link to my rec
In His Nature	create_serenity	NC-17	20,600	dracotops-harry	3-Apr-2015
Harry agreed to have sex with Draco once a month in order to keep him alive, what he didn't agree to was Draco popping up all over the place and disrupting his life in more ways than one. Link to my rec
Unexpected Consequences	lauren3210	NC-17	39,200	that picture	9-Apr-2015
Harry was going back to school. He was going to play Quidditch, sleep in lessons, hang out with his friends, and generally just enjoy being a kid for a change. And he was also going to do it while being bonded with Malfoy, because apparently life was just going to continue throwing curveballs at him. Harry didn't know why he expected anything different. Link to my rec PERSONAL ALL-TIME FAVE
Like Diamonds We Are Cut With Our Own Dust	raitala	PG-13	10,00	that picture	9-Apr-2015
Draco has borne the mark of the Dark Lord for over ten years. It is familiar to him, but he pays the price for it every day, and Harry has noticed. Link to my rec
Harry Potter and the Mysterious Portrait Painter (or How Harry Came To Realise Draco Has A Magnificent Arse)	create_serenity	PG-13	1,600	that picture	14-Apr-2015
No one had much minded when the pictures first started appearing; even Draco only greeted them with a raised eyebrow. Now it seemed Harry really should have given them more thought. Link to my rec
The Coefficient of Friction	daftfear	NC-17	18,000	dracotops-harry	17-Apr-2015
The war is over, the Death Eater trials are complete, life in the wizarding world is finally getting back to normal, and Harry Potter is restless. Unsure of what he really wants and growing increasingly confused in his personal life, Harry decides to take a holiday - alone - to clear his mind and find himself. He books a trip to a wizarding resort, expecting to be the lone guest, only to find out Draco Malfoy will be there as well. Falling back on old habits, Harry determines Malfoy must be up to something. In his search to uncover Malfoy's secrets, Harry inadvertently does what he had meant to all along - find himself. Link to my rec
Make Me a Headline (I Want To Be That Bold)	dicta_contrion	NC-17	31,000	dracotops-harry	29-Apr-2015
Draco never expected to see Harry doing that again. Especially with someone else, in a grainy photograph that's landed on his desk one Monday morning. Link to my rec
Just Go With It	keeprunning	R	1,000	AO3	14-May-2015
"No one before me, then? I thought, with Ginevera at least-" "I'm in bed with you and you're asking if I've slept with a woman?" Harry thunders, unable filter himself, as usual. Malfoy makes a hushing noise and rubs soothingly at Harry's biceps in a way he has learned means peace. "I am merely mature enough to consider that you might be interested in both - or any - of the genders, even though you are presently interested in me."
Endowment	dicta_contrion	NC-17	11,000	livejournal	19-May-2015
Potter has got under my skin for far too long, in far too many ways. I fully intend to return the favour. Link to my rec
Draco at Nineteen	birdsofshore	NC-17	5,000	livejournal	2-Jun-2015
It's the middle of the night and Harry Potter is sitting on my bed looking distinctly weird. I've had some fucked-up dreams in my time, but this takes the biscuit. Link to my rec PERSONAL ALL-TIME FAVE
The Green Vial	eidheann_writes	NC-17	31,400	harrydracompreg	4-Jun-2015
After months of seeing Harry Potter walk into his Apothecary disappointed and hopeless, Draco offers to carry the baby that Harry can't. Now he's just got to hide the fact that he's been half in love with Harry for years. Link to my rec
The Art of Perfection	create_serenity	PG-13	19,000	hd-smoochfest	7-Jun-2015
Harry cursed the day he'd ever made the stupid bet with Ron because that bet was what had led to him being naked in front of a Muggle art class. Of course Draco Malfoy had to be taking the class, because that's just how Harry's life worked. Link to my rec
Just. No.	frnklymrshnkly	PG	400	dracomalfoy	10-Jun-2015
How does Draco hate leather pants? Let him count the ways. Link to my rec
Green Beans and Fedoras	twistedm	R	3,450	hds-beltane	12-Jun-2015
Harry runs into someone unexpectedly, gets some weird advice, and decides to take it. What could possibly go wrong? Link to my rec
Make My Demons Run	lauren3210	NC-17	28,500	hd-smoochfest	13-Jun-2015
After giving evidence in defence of Draco at his trial, suddenly Potter is everywhere he turns as he completes his community service. Draco hadn't expected any of it, nor had he expected those long buried feelings he'd once had to come rising back to the surface. He definitely didn't expect what happened next. Link to my rec
An Aching Soul	writcraft	NC-17	15,000	hd-smoochfest	26-Jun-2015
I can't help but wonder if Potter's really as fine as he claims to be. There's something strange about seeing the vanilla hero of the wizarding world eye-fucking someone across a crowded bar before slipping off into the shadows - Draco Malfoy escapes to the Muggle world to avoid his parents, memories of the war and Harry Potter. However, some things prove harder to escape than others as Draco realises when his favourite Muggle haunt is rudely invaded by a post-war Harry who is struggling to cope with grief, growing up and the battle with his inner demons. Link to my rec
Of All Things	lumosed_quill	PG	200	harry100	26-Jun-2015
Harry's a bit lost after the war, except for this one thing.
Somebody to Love	khasael	PG	31,400	hd-smoochfest	28-Jun-2015
Draco's life after the war is quite different than it used to be. When he finds himself cursed, with little hope for lifting the spell, he sets out to make the most of the time he has left. Getting to know his Aunt Andromeda and his young cousin Teddy feels like a good thing to do, even if it can't help him in the long run...or can it? Link to my rec
Mirror, Mirror	themalfoymanner	PG	780	tumblr	8-Jul-2015
At Harry's insistence, Draco accompanies him to an abandoned classroom to examine an old mirror, unaware of its significance. Link to my rec
O Sinners, Let's Go Down	birdsofshore	NC-17	32,000	hd-collab	11-Jul-2015
It seemed like such a straightforward plan ? a trip to Suffolk to research his mother's family tree and spend a few days relaxing by the seaside. Harry wasn't looking for anything more than that. He certainly wasn't looking for Draco Malfoy. with art by raitala Link to my rec
Slip Into My Lover's Hands	lumosed_quill	NC-17	6,000	daily_deviant	17-Jul-2015
Draco licks his lips. He shuts his eyes, because he doesn't think he can look at Potter when he says it. When he asks for it. "One finger?" Link to my rec PERSONAL ALL-TIME FAVE
hello goodbye ('twas nice to know you)	tamerofdarkstars	PG-13	4,800	AO3	18-Jul-2015
Draco Malfoy thinks he might know whose thoughts are scrawling themselves on his skin, but that's crazy. Impossible, even. It has to be a mistake. Link to my rec
Alcohol and Apologies	CaramelDarling	PG-13	1,400	AO3	28-Aug-2015
Harry and Draco drink and talk, mostly about apologies.
Two Weeks and Four Walls	fantasyfiend09	R	7,000	hd-eighthyear	9-Sep-2015
Hannah Abbott brought an unusual souvenir back from holiday and shared it with her study group. Link to my rec
Dear Diary	awickedmemory	PG	20,000	hd-eighthyear	11-Sep-2015
This can't possibly go worse than the last time I kept a diary. // After the war, Harry picks up a journal to write in...and it writes back. Luckily, it's not a Horcrux on the other end this time. Link to my rec
Vampauror	enchanted_jae	R	4,700	hp-creatures	15-Oct-2015
After Harry is infected with vampirism on an Auror mission, Draco Malfoy is assigned to him as his Transition Assistant. Link to my rec
Transmutations	khasael	PG-13	21,300	hd-fan-fair	23-Oct-2015
Transmutation (n.): the action of changing or the state of being changed into another form; the supposed alchemical process of changing base metals into gold. Harry needs help with his current Auror case, and it looks as if only Draco Malfoy can provide it. The Draco that Harry knew at school would never have agreed to do so... but maybe he's changed? Link to my rec
We're More Than Ordinary	digthewriter	R	12,800	hd-fan-fair	27-Oct-2015
After a freak accident, which was totally Potter's fault, Draco has to live as Potter for three days. It isn't a party for Harry, either. Link to my rec
A Convenient Impracticality	firethesound	NC-17	38,000	hd-erised	1-Dec-2015
Somehow Harry ends up agreeing to a fake relationship with his ex-nemesis-turned-friendly-acquaintance-with-benefits, except for some reason it involves an awful lot of actual dating and, sadly, not much sex. Confused? Harry is too, but when has anything with Draco Malfoy ever been as straightforward as it seems? Link to my rec
All Roads Lead Home	dracogotgame	PG	15,000	hd-owlpost	9-Dec-2015
Draco is strong-armed into spending the first Christmas after the War with the Weasleys. And Harry Potter. Link to my rec PERSONAL ALL-TIME FAVE
The Deeper Symbolism Behind Golden Apples	oldenuf2nb	R	26,700	hd-erised	16-Dec-2015
When the Wizengamot insists Chief Auror Harry Potter pose for a statue for the Ministry Atrium, why are his friends reluctant to tell him who the sculptor is? Link to my rec
Dear Uncle Plume	eidheann_writes	NC-17	16,500	hd-erised	17-Dec-2015
Life after war is nothing like Draco expected. He only hopes he'll survive it. Especially when his friends are less than sympathetic. Link to my rec
Any Instrument	dicta_contrion	NC-17	130,000	hd-erised	19-Dec-2015
Draco Malfoy wouldn't go back to England for anything less than an exceptional case. Being asked to figure out why Harry Potter can't control his magic might be exceptional enough to qualify. Link to my rec
Incongruent	agentmoppet	NC-17	41,200	hd-erised	28-Dec-2015
The war has left its mark on everyone. The Ministry, as usual, is only too happy to take advantage. But Harry won't let them destroy his home, no matter what he has to do to stop them. And no matter if a certain Draco Malfoy insists on getting him off track. Link torec
Solder	oakstone730	NC-17	35,000	hd-erised	29-Dec-2015
Seven years ago, Harry disappeared out of Draco and Scorpius's life without a trace after Harry's addictions destroyed his and Draco's marriage. Now, Harry's back, and Draco wants to believe he's changed. But Harry isn't the only one haunted by the past. Link to my rec PERSONAL ALL-TIME FAVE

General notes:

• The "original post" column provides links to the first place I can find evidence of the work online. However, it can be really tough to determine when and where a work was first published (see my rant here: Dates Matter). So it could be that a fic was actually published earlier somewhere else and I didn't know it. Corrections are welcome.
• I've read a lot of HD fiction, but I certainly haven't read it all, so if I've left off something you think I shouldn't have, I'm happy for you to let me know.
• I may continue to add works to this list but I will try to keep the total number to something reasonable. (On the challenge of maintaining lists)
• My goal is to add lists for other years as well, time permitting.

How my fic preferences will skew the lists:

• I tend to like fics which contain explicit sex, so the list will probably skew that way. However, I prefer that there be an actual plot, not just sex, and I read PG rated fics too--just fewer of them.
• I like almost all the standard tropes, but I don't usually go for non-magical AUs, unhappy endings, dark!fic, or threesomes
• I don't give a toss who's on top or bottom, so you'll find both here.
• I shy away from epic-length fanfiction unless I'm very confident in the author, so most of my recs will be less than 100,000 words.

Comments

[awickedmemory.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm so honoured and tickled pink to be included on here. :D :D :D Thank you!! ♥

[snowgall]

You're so welcome :) I really enjoyed "Dear Diary" - it was so clever!

[gracerene]

Interesting list! Obviously a lot of stuff I loved and recced as well, and a few things that never crossed my path! Gosh, this is so fascinating seeing where our tastes merge and differ. Though I don't know how I'd be able to narrow down my yearly favorites! Kudos on managing it!

[snowgall]

I think it's fascinating too! I bet if 10 people created lists that none of them would be alike, and furthermore I bet each one would have at least one fic that no one else included :) Tastes are weird like that ♥

I like linking to other people's recs because I know when I'm trying to decide whether or not to read a fic I like to hear multiple opinions. (It also makes the list less bulky if I don't include my detailed reviews as well!) So I'm grateful you had lots of recs out there for me to link to :)

[eidheann_writes]

Thank you ♥

[snowgall]

You're welcome ♥

[lauren3210.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much, darling! ♥

[snowgall]

Thank you too! I feel so lucky that I had you writing two of my fest prompts this year. And it wasn't even intentional on either of our parts!

[frnklymrshnkly.livejournal.com]

No fucking way! I'm chuffed to little mint cakes that you liked my drabble enough to include it here. :D

(I genuinely got a bit nauseated with a feeling of unworthiness--there are so many good and proper fics here (including one that's in a 3-way-tie for my all time fave!))

[snowgall]

Yes fucking way! I always try to include fics that vary in length (as well as ratings and time periods etc.) as much as I can. And something about your fic just really tickled me :) It's also nice when it's been a few months and I can read it again and think, "yep, I still really like this one. It holds up" So then I know I have to include it :)

I think I have a soft spot for meta-humor that is not *too* obvious. create_serenity's "Harry Potter and the Mysterious Portrait Painter" had a similar vibe ♥

[frnklymrshnkly.livejournal.com]

Well thank you so much! I'm really thrilled that the meta-humour therein made an impression!

Also, I think mixing it up in rec lists is such a good idea. I tend to read, and therefore rec, longer fics, but I feel like I should follow your example and go for more variety in terms of length...

I'm a bowl of mush

[digthewriter]

I am ridiculously surprised at the fact that I made "the cut." Seriously. And honoured and humbled and all that good stuff when you just shock someone like this. Thanks for liking my story! ♥ Esp since you don't like body!swap that much and the fact that it didn't have explicit sex! ;)

I hope that I can continue to stir your rec senses for future stories!

-DIG.

I'm curious to know if you call this list "the best of..." based on your own opinions only or also b/c it's been recommended in other places. Thanks! I wish I had the time to be so organised.

Re: I'm a bowl of mush

[snowgall]

Aw, you're so sweet! And very welcome too!

The list is just based on my opinions, and I'm sure that not everyone will agree - I don't expect them to! Though it's often the case that other people have recced these fics too of course.

I called it "the best of..." mostly because I thought it would attract more hits and come up in more google searches that way. It's just me being self-promotional. There was some spirited discussion about it in the comments of this post yesterday.

[firethesound]

Aw, thank you! I'm all a-flail to be included on this list. So many fics on here I haven't read, clearly I've got a lot of catching up to do! :D

[snowgall]

You're welcome - I always love your work. ♥

And no matter how many fics I've read, I still find there are so many more that I haven't and need to. It's like I can never catch up! But that's a good thing, right? An embarrassment of riches :)

[writcraft]

Thank you so much for including 'An Aching Soul', I'm so happy you enjoyed the story and I'm thrilled to bits to be here. There are a few here I haven't read myself too, so I'm looking forward to doing so over the coming months. What a treat!

[snowgall]

Oh I did love that fic so very very much! Definitely an instant favorite :) I hope you will enjoy some of the other ones on here!

[kerrilee75.livejournal.com]

I live for rec lists and there are plenty here I haven't read!! I'm excited to check out your prior year lists, too, since I'm new to fandom and LJ.

[snowgall]

Thank you so much - what a lovely thing to say! I do hope you enjoy these fics. And of course, there are so many more wonderful fics out there too - you're going to be in for a real treat! Welcome to the fandom ♥

[lq-traintracks.livejournal.com]

I'm so very honored and humbled to have somehow gotten on here three times! I'm so happy you count my stories among your favorites from the year. ♥

[snowgall]

It was hard to narrow it down to three even! You wrote so many great fics last year. But I will forever and ever love "Slip Into My Lover's Hands" with all my heart. I have re-read it a dozen times or more. Gah, it's so good! ♥♥♥

[momatu.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much for including my fic! I'm so glad you liked it.

[snowgall]

Oh I did, so very much! You're very welcome - I am so glad you wrote it!

[fantasyfiend09.livejournal.com]

You really are too kind, but I am delighted you liked my fic enough to include it on this list. There were so many fabulous stories this year, and I am still working my way through all the treasures posted in December. When I think I'm caught up with 2015, I will definitely be returning to this list to make sure I didn't miss any great fics!

You're my new best friend

[(Anonymous)]

Seriously, you're my new best friend. I'm loving you're re lists! Loving loving loving!
Thank you soo soo much for putting all this together you super rock :)

Re: You're my new best friend

[snowgall]

Thank you so much anon bud! It's lovely to get comments like this :)