snowgall

Oh man, hd_erised continues to be the best HD fest of the year! The authors and artists all bring their A-game to this fest, making it so hard to narrow down the choices of which ones to rec. But I persevered, and bring you my favorite works of fic and art from HD-erised 2015 :)

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Fic Recs:

Solder by oakstone730 ( NC-17 | 35,000 ) 29-Dec-2015
Summary: 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.
( Review... )

Dear Uncle Plume by eidheann_writes ( NC-17 | 16,500 ) 17-Dec-2015
Summary: Life after war is nothing like Draco expected. He only hopes he'll survive it. Especially when his friends are less than sympathetic.
( Review... )

Any Instrument by dicta_contrion ( NC-17 | 130,000 ) 19-Dec-2015
Summary: 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.
( Review... )

The Deeper Symbolism Behind Golden Apples by oldenuf2nb ( R | 26,700 ) 16-Dec-2015
Summary: 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?
( Review... )

Incongruent by agentmoppet ( NC-17 | 41,000 ) 28-Dec-2015
Summary: 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.
( Review... )

A Convenient Impracticality by firethesound ( NC-17 | 38,000 ) 1-Dec-2015
Summary: 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?
( Review... )

I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor by birdsofshore ( NC-17 | 28,000 ) 18-Dec-2015
Summary: Harry felt lit up from inside as soon as he entered the bar. There were blokes dancing together, their bodies close to one another, not keeping a wary distance as Harry was always careful to do when he was near another man. God, he wanted this – wanted it so much he could taste it, a metallic tang of heat and desire. He suspected nothing would ever be the same again – especially when he saw who else was in the room.
( Review... )

The Destiny You Sold by tryslora ( NC-17 | 59,000 ) 12-Dec-2015
Summary: In which Draco knits, Harry makes wands, and things get very tangled up between them.
( Review... )

Almost Like Song by melusinahp ( NC-17 | 7,000 ) 16-Dec-2015
Summary: They were once lovers, but Harry hasn't seen Draco in years, so it's a bit of a shock when he appears to warn Harry about an upcoming Auror mission.
( Review... )

Dirty Talk on Christmas Morning by amorette ( NC-17 | 1,700 ) 24-Dec-2015
Summary: Emotions run thick as the boys exchange gifts on their first Christmas morning together.
( Review... )

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Art Recs:

A Night At The Leaky Cauldron by isinuyasha ( PG | Photoshop ) 10-Dec-2015 Summary: It took a while for Draco to notice that he didn't really mind that Potter kept dragging him along to these "cozy" after work get-togethers at the Leaky Cauldron. This is so great. I love how the artist drew all of Harry and Draco's friends, and still kept the focus on the two of them. And the way Harry is leaning in to whisper to Draco just says so much about the closeness of their relationship. Everybody looks so great and the holiday lights in the background are so festive! Wonderful job all around :)

Snowy Snogfest by mybutterflower (mitsouparker) ( PG | Digital Painting ) 25-Dec-2015 Summary: Draco & Harry are snogging in the snow after shopping in Hogsmeade. This is absolutely stunning! I love how absorbed in each other they are (evidenced by the spilled candies!), and the lovely color scheme and soft-focus background. The contrast between Draco's hair and Harry's hair is perfect too, and the whole scene is so amazingly holiday appropriate. A gorgeous and beautiful piece of art!

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Note: Authors and artists are still anonymous. Names will be added after the reveals!

I always enjoy the hd_remix fest, which has just ended. There were lots of great remixes based on lots of great original stories.

Here are my favorite fics from this year's fest:


A New Path by oakstone730, PG, 3,500 words
Summary: 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. A remix of Abandoned Destinies by nicevenn.

I'm just so happy that the original story got a continuation, and that it worked so well. The original was from Harry's POV, and the remix is from Draco's, adding in more backstory for the stone as well as some additional romance. I loved the way you could feel Draco's tight rein on his emotions, but knew he was carrying a quiet hope that he almost couldn't trust. The backstory given to the stone - that it was something Snape had given Draco - made so much sense and made me feel heartbroken for Snape all over again. And the lovely hesitant conversation they have after class - where they're both reluctant to admit what they'd seen until the other one says something first - it all felt so in tune with the original, and added to it splendidly. (extended rec at hd-storyroom)

Dirty Hobbies, Filthy Minds by amorette, NC-17, 12,400 words
Summary: Spying on someone isn’t all bad; not when they are doing something dastardly and it’s up to Harry to stop it. It’s not his fault said person decides to get naked every time he’s up to his evil plans. A remix of Spying for Pleasure by digthewriter which does not have to be read first for this story to make sense.

Very fun, very hot, and a great way to expand upon the original drabble. Harry's thoughts were beautifully filthy, as were Draco's actions when he *knew* Harry was watching him. And seeing them awkwardly interact and dance around their desire for each other was very entertaining.

A saving-people thing by astardanced77, G, 6,300 words
Summary: It all began with yellow roses, but it didn't end there. A remix of Always the Hero by amorette

I just loved the sense of humor in this fic - the bit in the beginning with Draco being mistaken for 'critical artwork', the P&P references, the James Bond jokes - it was all so wonderful. And lonely!Draco + earnest!Harry is one of my favorite tropes, and their characters were drawn so well. I only wish we could have at least gotten a kiss :)

Rumours by winterstorrm, NC-17, 2,300 words
Summary: Someone has got hold of the wrong end of the broomstick. A remix of Broomstick Talk by lyonessheart

Another fun and hot story. I loved seeing the rumors spreading and mutating as they went - very funny and believable. And I thought Ron's reaction was just great. Harry and Draco were quite sweet together too - though Harry's a kinky bastard :)

See Me by kedavranox, NC-17, 1,800 words
Summary: I look up, and there he is. Potter, gloriously naked, stroking his cock like he’s the only man on the planet. The cigarette falls from my lips as I freeze, mouth halfway open. My pulse quickens, thumping away in my throat, beating a deafening thud in my head. A remix of I See You by nathalieweasley

Very well written and a great look into Draco's side of the story. His empathy for Harry is really moving, and the whole thing is just hot.