The 'That Picture' flash fest at hd_remix was such a treat that it needs two posts! My previous post contained quotes from all of the wonderful stories generated by Alekina's picture, while here I'm just going to rec my favorites :)

When Alekina first posted her amazing artwork, I was inspired to create a list of Dark Mark removal fic recs (though maybe I should have called them "Dark Mark modification fics" since the mark is not always removed!).
This can be thought of as "part 2" of that list ♥


Best fics from 'That Picture' flash fest, novella category:

Unexpected Consequences by lauren3210, NC-17, 39,200 words
Summary: 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.

This fic has both all the feels and all the sex! My two favorite things!
The characterizations of Harry, Draco, and Hermione in this fic are so well done. We understand right away why Draco would agree to be bonded to Harry for the year, and why Harry would (reluctantly) agree to this as well.
There are so many wonderful details throughout the fic that reveal how much attention Harry and Draco had been paying to each other in previous years and why they know each other's habits and preferences so well. And there's this whole section where Draco is first musing on the rumor mill and his own feelings and wants for Harry, which was simultaneously incredibly moving and incredibly hot.
And there's so much wonderful wonderful sex in this story! But best of all, all of the sex scenes are important in terms of character development and plot. They are not merely gratuitous.
This was a wonderful, wonderful story, and I'm so, so, happy that it sprang from my prompt. But honestly, even if this hadn't been written for me, I would have loved it still. It's fantastic. (extended rec at hd-storyroom)
Dark Mark remastered: Harry takes over the control of the mark, but doesn't change it

Like Diamonds We Are Cut With Our Own Dust by raitala, NC-17, 10,914 words
Summary: 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.

This was so beautiful, and so perfect! The image she painted with her words fit the image Alekina painted with her brushes just flawlessly.
The premise here is that Harry and Draco are partnered cursebreakers. Harry comes to realize that Draco's mark is a drag on his magic and that it has been searching for a new master. Indeed, Harry can feel the pull of the mark on himself and offers to remove it. It's a question of trust: can Draco trust Harry to remove the mark without installing himself as its new master, and can Harry trust himself not to give in to temptation? I just adore Raitala's dry wit in this story. So many wonderful lines. And I'm in love with her biting, sarcastic, irreverent Draco, and her restrained yet oh-so-powerful Harry too.
Dark Mark removal: Harry decides to remove Draco's mark

Where Darkness Follows by alpha_exodus, NC-17, 12,000 words
Summary: Harry dreams of snakes and darkness, and Malfoy is always watching him.

This was a really really fascinating story and well told. I was totally sucked in and trying to figure out what was actually going on! What was the connection between Harry and Draco and why does it make Harry's head hurt? Fortunately, the revelations at the end were delicious and lovely and heart-wrenching. ♥
Dark Mark removal: Harry decides to remove Draco's mark

Best fics from 'That Picture' flash fest, single scene category:

Harry Potter and the Mysterious Portrait Painter (or How Harry Came To Realise Draco Has A Magnificent Arse) by create_serenity, PG-13, 1,600 words
Summary: 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.

This was an utterly delightful scene. The dialogue was just great: absurdly meta and full of wonderful snarky banter. And I loved that Draco was fully conscious of just how devastatingly attractive he looked :) My only complaint is that the story needs a continuation! Why is Alekina painting portraits at Hogwarts, and when will Harry and Draco just give in and start snogging? The public needs to know!
Dark Mark meta humor: Draco asks Harry what he's doing to his mark

The Artist by lumosed_quill, PG-13, 1,200 words
Summary: They said a thousand Galleons would buy the best. I should have known. Nobody uses language like that unless they mean him.

Beautiful and intense and with a terrific ending. I loved the way we got into Draco's head in this scene - that Draco hadn't known it would be Harry until he saw him arrive, and that Harry had no obvious reaction to seeing that it was Draco. And the way she described how Harry touched Draco as he was removing the mark was perfect. Now that's just how I'll always picture it.
Dark Mark removal: Harry is asked to remove Draco's mark

And just to entice you further, don't forget these were all inspired by this wonderful piece of Drarry fan art: