snowgall

I so enjoyed helping mod the

hd_remix fest again this year. The

hd_remix fest is one of my favorites in the fandom - I love the idea of authors writing fanfic of other fanfic. Here are some recs from the fest:

violet light by creole_toile ( R | Art ) 1-May-2017
Summary: your star, through the scars
A remix of Every Second by

bookshop

This art is BEYOND stunning and hauntingly beautiful. I love the way the colors transition from one side to the other, and how the first panel has more color and "life" than the last two. Honestly, these images could be framed and put on the wall without a single change.
(thumbnail posted to tumblr)

How To Catch A Weasley (And Maybe A Potter, Too) by bixgirl1 ( R | 7,600 ) 17-May-2017
Summary: In which Pansy has a crush and needs Draco's help, Draco has a crush but staunchly refuses to admit it, Potter might have a crush, but is as infuriating as always, and no one knows what the hell Wealsey is thinking--likely not even himself.
A remix of Meaningless by GingerTodgers

This was such a great remix! I definitely loved seeing the Harry/Draco side of this story, and the author perfectly wove in all the happenings in the original and showed us how they got there, and how the misunderstandings could multiply. So entertaining!
Everything is super cute and fun, (even the summary which really sums it all up perfectly!) and we see all of the characters haplessly dancing around what they each really want. But the best part is the kiss, oh! their kiss is SO HOT. Even though the sex is offscreen, the UST absolutely sizzles.
And the banter is top notch too :)
(quote1 and quote2 posted to tumblr)
(also recced at hd-storyroom)

A Hot Cross Bundle of Draco Malfoy by GingerTodgers ( T | 3,100 ) 16-May-2017
Summary: Harry and Draco stopped doing whatever it was they were doing months ago. It's over and it hurts but it's fine because Luna has invited Harry over for tea and hot cross buns.
Pity she forgot to tell him who her new housemate is...
A remix of The Fabulous Baker Boys by

germankitty

Absolutely charming and fun! I love veritaserum fics so much, and this one had all of the embarrassment and awkward confessions that I love about it, plus terrific funny dialogue too.
I loved so many lines, but maybe this one especially:
“Ginny asked you to roofie a set of buns named after a religious execution for her non-denominational party?”
(quote posted to tumblr)

Sea Glass by oakstone730 ( G | 2,400 ) 14-May-2017
Summary: When death comes unexpectedly the lives of loved ones are torn apart until the healing slowly begins.
A remix of The Secret of the Sea by

persephoneapple

Beautifully told and lovely. Amazing how you can feel so much emotion in just this short piece. Even though it's a story of grief, there's still a hopefulness and sense of love that pervades it. So good.
I also really appreciated that this remix introduced me to the original story by persephoneapple which I hadn't read before, and was a great find.
(quote posted to tumblr)

Dogged by tigersilver ( R | 5,800 ) 12-May-2017
Summary: Harry knows exactly why he freed Draco Malfoy, the problem is finding the right words to describe it.
A remix of Jailbait by

spindlerkiss

I enjoyed this so much! Very fun and amusingly sexy. And the author really captured the feeling of the type of scatterbrained-sex-addled thoughts a 19-year-old might have, and how they don't let themselves worry too much about consequences :)
I especially enjoyed Harry and Draco's aborted argument about Antarctica, and how Harry gave in in part because of sexual frustration :) Seeing this all play out from Harry's side was particularly funny.
(quote posted to tumblr)

Two Things About Harry Potter by ustorycollector ( E | 3,000 ) 4-May-2017
Summary: Draco knows two things about Harry Potter. He likes to stare at Draco, and he's got a weird thing for a piece of crumpled parchment that should be in the bin.
A remix of Map Kinks / Mischief Well Managed by

khalulu

This was really delightful! I love how the author created a whole story with just a series of short vignettes - I really fit the mood of Khalulu's original drabble that way.
I think this is probably my favorite line:
"This man defeated the darkest wizard of all time. And he’s thrown by Draco complementing his arse. He’s almost begging to be teased."
(quote posted to tumblr)

The Shape of the World Is the Shape of You In It by megyal ( PG-13 | 3,100 ) 18-May-2017
Summary: He has dreams, and they are only small parts of a world he probably knows.
A remix of The Shape of the World by

bixgirl1

This remix is so in tune with the original work, and yet also adds to it in a meaningful and important way.
I loved the dream sequences, which showed the reader how lost Harry was feeling, and how the mirror was prompting him to ask the right questions - so cool!
This was just a really lovely glimpse into characters we all wanted to know more about and a great showcase into Harry's state of mind.
(quote posted to tumblr)

The

hd_owlpost fest showered us with so many lovely little fics this winter and just posted their masterlist today. So I'm taking the opportunity to rec a few fics from the fest I especially enjoyed :)

Sorting Out Their Priorities by sassy_cissa ( NC-17 | 2,600 ) 9-Jan-2017
Summary: When a foreign dignitary makes a move on Harry, Draco does whatever is necessary to stake his claim.

The best kind of PWP. You feel like you know these characters and the situation feels warranted. Plus it's hot, super hot :)

Six Christmases by thistle_verse ( R | 4,800 ) 3-Dec-2016
Summary: A year ago— even a few months ago— Harry would have heeded the note of warning in Malfoy’s voice. He would have been more careful. But care, he thought now, twisted and flowed with the change in landscape; like magic, it fed on a continual change of form.

This was incredibly lovely. So nicely told, and their character growth carefully built up over the years.

Ribbons and Bows by lauren3210 ( NC-17 | 1,600 ) 15-Dec-2016
Summary: Harry comes home from work to a prettily wrapped surprise

PWP, but done very well. Hot and lovely.

Heat of the Moment by writcraft ( NC-17 | 2,250 ) 4-Feb-2017
Summary: Harry’s never felt much like an Alpha but that all changes when Draco Malfoy turns up on his doorstep, asking Harry for help.

Hot and fun. Good ABO dynamics. Makes you wish for more :)

Exposure by kittyaugust ( PG | 910 ) 8-Jan-2017
Summary: Snow at Christmas time can be a luxuriously tempting thing.

Lovely little scene. Very sweet, and hints at so much backstory I want to know!

Christmas Presents by fantasyfiend09 ( PG | 1,600 ) 16-Dec-2016
Summary: Draco reflects on what Christmas has meant to him over the years.

This was beautifully told, and created a clear depiction of who Draco was then and who he is now. Really moving, especially the way Harry stood up for him in court. Pre-slash, with a not-yet-happy ending.

Great year for the

hd_erised fest as usual!

Here are some fics I highly recommend:

( Fic recs )

Crossposts: http://snowgall.livejournal.com/56471.html

This may be my last rec post for some time. But the

hd_remix fest is one of my favorites in the fandom, so I had to do one more. I love the idea of authors writing fanfic of other fanfic.

The Lily, the Violet, the Tiny Babe by khalulu ( PG | 1,300 words ) 13-Mar-2016
Summary: From beyond the Veil, she senses that her son Harry needs her – but who is that very blond baby in his arms? Learning that she is a grandmother takes Lily on an emotional journey.
A remix of The Scent of Violets by

sassy_cissa

This was a stunningly beautiful story. Seeing Harry through his departed mother's eyes is so unusual and unexpected, and yet I found it so very moving. Especially watching Lily work through her complex feelings of protectiveness, hurt, betrayal, and finally acceptance of Harry's relationship with Draco. There is so much depth here that I can't do it justice - you'll just have to read it. I really loved it. Fantastic remix.

extended rec at hd-storyroom

The Thing About Cats and Dogs by megyal ( PG-13 | 3,900 words ) 17-Mar-2016
Summary: A very small view into the life of Harry and Draco and a cat and a dog.
A remix of Cats and Dogs by

I enjoyed this so much! The wry humor in this story immediately captivated me. I loved the perfect sense of each scene - brief but fully realized - and the excellent glimpses into the complicated and delicate conversational minefields they navigate. Lovely fic with great feels - and really not so very fluffy, despite the tags :)

extended rec at hd-storyroom

And Wednesday Too by disapparater ( R | 5,600 words ) 4-Mar-2016
Summary: Draco never expected anything better than his two dead end jobs and a cramped flat, but when Harry Potter waltzes into his life, can anyone blame him for wanting a little more?
A remix of Tuesday Nights by

firethesound

Loved getting to see Draco's perspective for this story! The author really captured his inner conflict and insecurity masked with bravado, all while still keeping the sweet tone of the original.

There Is Always the Moon by firethesound ( PG-13 | 159,000 words ) 18-Mar-2016
Summary: Draco's life after the war is everything he wanted it to be: it's simple, and quiet, and predictable, and safe. But when a mysterious curse shatters the peace he'd worked so hard to build, there's only one person he can trust to help him. After all, Harry Potter has saved his life before. Now Draco has to believe that Potter will be able to do it one more time.
A remix of If the Sun Goes Black by

pasdexcuses

Holy amazeballs this fic. This fic is the most fantastic backstory to the original. It starts out strongly Draco-centric in the best way, drawing the reader into his post-war life and dedication to his work. But when something disturbing starts happening to him, the only one Draco trusts to help him is Harry Potter. Even though they've barely spoken since the war, Harry decides the best way to help Draco without raising suspicions is for them to pretend to be in a relationship (of course!) Thus we are treated to the most amazing fake-relationship story ever, where Draco is trope-savvy enough to be worried about rogue mistletoe, and they're both falling ever deeper in love. What makes it so wonderful is that we are immersed in the slow build of their relationship over the course of many months, and nothing about it feels rushed. Do note that this is a remix however, so the ending doesn't quite tie everything up as neatly as it would otherwise - it's meant to flesh out the backstory of the original.

There was an abundance of lovely fics, ficlets, and art to be had all through December as part of

hd_owlpost! I was especially lucky to get three amazing gifts this year, which I previously recced here - go read :) But other people got lovely gifts as well, and so I'm reccing my favorites of the gifts that weren't for me below :)

Fics over 4,000 words

( Read more... )

Fics under 2,500 words

( Read more... )

To celebrate the new year, I've got recs of some of my favorite 2015 Drarry fics that came out of non-Drarry focused fests (that I haven't already featured in other rec posts already, that is).

hp_kinkfest:
( Read more... )

do_me_veela:
( Read more... )

hp_mhealthfest:
( Read more... )

hp_creatures:
( Read more... )

mini_fest:
( Read more... )

~~Note: I was waiting for mini_fest to post their reveals, but I have no idea when that will be, so I gave in and posted now :)~~

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 :)

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... )

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!

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

So much wonderful art has been posted during the

hd_fanart fest this year! These were my favorites, but you should check them all out - seriously!

	The Boy Who Scored by alby_mangroves ( R \| Pastels ) 26-Nov-2015 From the prompt: Blowjob or sex in the shower This piece is so gorgeous! The expressions on both of their faces, how we get a hint of what's happening but nothing actually explicit, the look of the shower, the artist's skill with working with pastels - everything is so well done! Such wonderful naturalistic details too, like the way Draco is holding Harry's glasses. Beautiful, beautiful piece of art.
	Salvation by citrus_lime ( PG-13 \| Digital ) 8-Nov-2015 From the prompt: Harry as an Angel, Draco as a Devil – or the other way around, Draco as an Angel, Harry as a Devil. Another beautiful and stunning piece of art! I love the pose and their expressions - it looks like a renaissance painting. They both look like angels to me :)
	The Photo Booth by isinuyasha ( PG \| Photoshop ) 4-Nov-2015 From the prompt: Harry and Draco are in a photo booth. They can make a face, smile, bicker, kiss (and even more…) or whatever the artist has in mind. I love the progression of poses from the kissing booth! It captures so much of how I think these two would be. A lovely and well rendered piece :)
	Aurors by lokeloke ( PG \| Photoshop ) 24-Nov-2015 From the prompt: A dark alleyway/street // Uniform, boots, gloves, belts, buckles nngh* // Wands drawn, casting spells* I love how the artist conceived of their uniforms, and the determination in Harry's expression. The whole thing is so very well drawn. I also love how the background gives the impression of detail, yet is indistinct so as not to detract from the focus of the piece. Beautifully done :)
	Voldie's Minions by naadi ( PG \| Photoshop ) 14-Nov-2015 From the prompt: Up to the artist. I just want to see Harry and Draco as any Minion character of your choice. OMG, I straight up love this to pieces! It's so cute and hilarious and manages to be the Despicable Me/Harry Potter fusion I didn't even know I needed ♥ I love how well the artist captured the look and spirit of the Minions (ooopsies? - ha!) and I love that they gave them all the necessary characteristics to make them recognizably Harry and Draco as well. Kudos to the mystery artist!

~~Note: Artists are still anonymous. Names will be added after reveals.~~
(reposted to tumblr)

The

hd_fan_fair fest has just ended, and I was really impressed by the overall quality of the fics! I enjoyed reading all of them, but these were my favorites:

( Read more... )

P.S. If you missed it, I posted a great-big wrap-up post yesterday of all of my 31 (!!!) Rectober posts, which amounted to 157 different fics. Check it out!

This probably seems kinda random, but during this year's

slythindor100 Last Drabble Writer Standing tournament, I went back through some of the previous fests and read those drabbles too. So I have drabble recs for you from the first LDWS fest in 2010 :)

( Read more... )

As far as I can tell, none of these drabbles are available on AO3. Why not upload them for posterity?

banner by

capitu

I'm combining two character-centric HP fests into one rec post for rectober. Back in January, the

harrybang fest gave us Harry-focused lengthy fics, and more recently

bottom_draco gave us Draco-focused transformation fics. So what could be better than the two together?
All fics recced are Drarry, of course :)

HarryBang

Right Hand Red by lumosed_quill ( NC-17 | 73,000 )
( Read more... )

Kiss Me (Under the Light of a Thousand Stars) by sophie_french ( NC-17 | 115,000 )
( Read more... )

Bottom_Draco

My Life As A Butterfly by digthewriter ( NC-17 | 22,300 )
( Read more... )

Full Circle by sp_owl ( NC-17 | 14,000 )
( Read more... )

For those who care: All the fics above are bottom!Draco, except for Kiss Me (Under the Light of a Thousand Stars), which is switching.

banner by

capitu

The first

hd_eighthyear fest just finished, and I was so excited to read fics from my favorite era every day! Here are my favorites from the fest.

Dear Diary by awickedmemory ( PG | 20,000 )
( Read more... )

Two Weeks and Four Walls by fantasyfiend09 ( R | 7,000 )
( Read more... )

Of Infinite Longings by lauren3210 ( R | 6,600 )
( Read more... )

It Was Always You by citrus_lime ( PG-13 | ART + drabble )
( Read more... )

I usually do a wrap-up rec list after a fest ends, so I figured I should do so for

slythindor100's Last Drabble Writer Standing (LDWS) contest as well :) This was the first year I've voted in the contest, and it was lots of fun. It was so fascinating to see how differently all of the talented authors interpreted the prompts, and so wonderfully surprising to find out who the drabble writers had been each week.

The cool thing is that I ended up voting for a different drabble writer each of the first 5 weeks! (completely unintentionally of course, as the authors were always anonymous until after the votes were tallied) My top picks each week didn't always match the winners of each week (in fact they rarely did :), but for the record, they were:

Week 1: Happy Birthday by

josephinestone
Week 2: Then and Now by

birdsofshore
Week 3: the invasion by

bloodisshrp
Week 4: My Sweetest Downfall by

writcraft (that week's winner)
Week 5: You Are My Greatest Adventure by

capitu (how was this eliminated???)
Week 6: Coming Clean by

birdsofshore
Week 7: Winning Moves by

birdsofshore (that week's winner)
Week 8: Laid Bare by

writcraft

Week 2 was a very strong week. I also loved:
Love tastes like... by

bloodisshrp (that week's winner)
Unspeak, Speak, Oddment, Tweak by

khalulu

Congratulations to

birdsofshore for being the Last Drabble Writer Standing at the end, and to all of the talented authors who contributed to the fest and made it so enjoyable ♥

P.S. I hope that the authors will also feel encouraged to post their drabbles to AO3, in whatever format they happen to prefer :)

Here are my favorite fics from the first ever

hd_collab fest. Authors are currently anonymous. Names will be added after reveals.

If you're wanting an angsty fic, I recommend one of these:

O Sinners, Let's Go Down (NC-17 | 32,000) by

birdsofshore with art by

raitala
( Read more... )

Up in the Air (PG-13 | 8,500) by

dicta_contrion with art by

kazuya22
( Read more... )

Until It Rains (Don’t Keep Me Waiting Too Long) (NC-17 | 7,400) by

lumosed_quill and

sdkshelly
( Read more... )

If you're wanting light-hearted comedy instead, may I suggest one of these:

The Four Ds of Apparition (or: Destination, Determination, Deliberation, and Dicks) (NC-17 | 36,500) by

eidheann_writes and

firethesound
( Read more... )

The Morning After (R | 5,500) by

birdsofshore and

capitu
( Read more... )

In addition to fics, there was lots of lovely art for this fest as well, and much of it seems to be by new-to-me artists. I especially enjoyed the art that accompanied O Sinners, Let's Go Down and Up in the Air above, as well as the stand-alone piece Draco Malfoy and the Temple of Runes by

iwao and

this_bloody_cat. Go check them out!

Another enjoyable

hd_smoochfest has come and gone, giving us lots of wonderful fics to read. Here are my favorites from this year's fest.

Make My Demons Run by lauren3210, NC-17, 28,000 words
( Read more... )

An Aching Soul by writcraft, NC-17, 15,000 words
( Read more... )

The Art of Perfection by create_serenity, PG-13, 19,200 words
( Read more... )

Somebody to Love by khasael, PG, 31,400 words
( Read more... )

All My Hours by cassie_black12, PG-13, 4,600 words
( Read more... )

Like Sparkling Wine by fantasyfiend09, PG, 1,300 words
( Read more... )

The

hds_beltane fest has now concluded; 2015 was its final round, but it went out with a great set of fics! I'm reccing my favorites from 2015 here, but see the end of this post for links to recs from past years as well.

Authors are currently anonymous. Names will be added after the reveals.

Note that this fest also includes Snarry, Snaco, and threesome combinations, but I'm just reccing Drarry.

Green Beans and Fedoras by twistedm, R, 3,450 words (fest link)
Summary: Harry runs into someone unexpectedly, gets some weird advice, and decides to take it. What could possibly go wrong?

Let me tell you, I never knew how much I needed matchmaker!Snape until I read this fic :) Snape only plays a very small part in this fic, but it's a delightful part. He runs into Harry five years after the war, immediately sizes him up as lonely and bored, and proceeds to suggest he look up Draco Malfoy, who - as Snape informs him - is likewise gay and equally pathetic and lonely.
What I really love the most about this is how frank and forthright everyone is. It's SO refreshing to have the characters actually say what they mean instead of wallowing in miscommunication. Harry decides to take Snape's advice, and goes to ask Draco out on a date. The rest is snark and banter and delicious flirting. It's a short fic, but so very fun. (extended rec at hd-storyroom)

Our place on the path unwinding by thisgirl_is & bakaknight, PG-13, 9,100 words (fest link)
Summary: Harry Potter goes looking for a fight and finds one. And possibly some other things along the way.

Cool story! I loved this Draco - confident and perceptive and droll - the perfect characterization :) And how he and Harry kept being drawn together, like they couldn't help themselves. And Harry! and how subtly we learned what he was! The imagery of the Beltane festival was perfect; it grounded the characters and the story but never got in the way. Them snogging against the tree was super hot, as was the slight morning after awkwardness that they both powered through. So enjoyable!

The rain has gone (I can see clearly now) by bakaknight, PG-13, 3,300 words
Gen: implied future Draco/Harry
Summary: To die would be an awfully big adventure, someone had said in a Muggle book Severus had once read with a friend at his shoulder, in a park, in a sunset, long ago. Right now, it's an adventure he wants absolutely no part in. Which makes it rather awkward that he’s already dead.

This was SUCH an interesting and moving story, beautifully written from the perspective of ghost!Snape right after the battle. We see ghost!Snape's initial interactions with McGonagall, Neville, Harry, and Draco, and it's a look at how these people would feel about Snape which is quite a bit different than usual. I think in most stories Harry is assumed to have reversed his opinion towards Snape, but here he is still resentful, and understandably so. And so is Neville, who wow, really gives ghost!Snape a dressing-down! Very cool.

As a retrospective, I have also gone back and recced some of the best Drarry fics from all of the past nine years of the fest. Enjoy!

2007-2009

2010-2011

2012-2014

Stay tuned for stats from nine years of hds_beltane :)

Since

hd_familyfest was a relatively small fest this year, I decided to combine it with the recent

harrydracompreg and collect my recs for them both into one post. Some really terrific stories here!

HD-familyfest
Seizing Second Chances by momatu, NC-17, 28,300 words
Summary: 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?

This was such a lovely, lovely story, and so well told. Harry is raising three kids alone after Ginny's death, and Draco is still mostly keeping to himself and out of wizarding society after the war and his own loss five years prior. Once they meet up again, there are all these wonderful tentative and careful steps between the two of them as they each start to feel attraction and try oh-so-carefully to determine whether the other might be interested in men. Harry's bisexulaity is dealt with perfectly, as is the delicate subject matter of the recent death of a spouse and past loss of a newborn; everything is handled with great emotional sensitivity. The UST just builds and builds, along with the developing romantic relationship, and all leading to a most delicious and satisfying sex scene at the end. Highly recommend. (extended rec at hd-storyroom)

HarryDracoMpreg
The Green Vial by eidheann_writes, NC-17, 31,400 words
Summary: 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.

This was *such* a beautiful story. I loved how the author took the time to really let their relationship develop, and was realistic about how difficult it can be to get pregnant, even for people who are trying. And wow, the amazingness of the sex scenes! I love it when sex scenes are integrated into the story in a way that's crucial for plot and character development and are not only hot but give us so many feels. The whole fic just left me with a silly grin on my face and feeling like I'd just had a treat. (extended rec at hd-storyroom)

And Hope Says, Perhaps Today by this_bloody_cat, R, 10,300 words
Summary: It's for the best, Draco keeps telling himself — over and over like an endless mantra — but self-deception has never been that high on his list of coping techniques.

Beautifully written, with achingly deeply felt emotions on Draco's side. I liked that Draco needed time before agreeing to go back to Harry in the end. Gave me lots of lovely feels.

come with me into the light by tryslora, PG-13, 21,000 words
Summary: Everything has changed by the time Harry returns to Hogwarts for his second attempt at his final year. He no longer wears glasses, he mourns dead friends from the war, and Draco Malfoy walks the halls as if he is a ghost as well. When Pansy asks Harry to help snap Malfoy out of his silence, what else is he supposed to say? Malfoy needs to be saved, and that's just what Harry does.

Well-written, compelling story. Harry and Draco are both wonderfully characterized and make you care about what happens to them.

I was so impressed with the consistent quality of all the fics posted to the

dracomalfoy Kinks and Tropes fest that it was really hard to select which ones to rec! Seriously, there were so many great fics, and you should go read them all! But I forced myself to pick my favorite Drarry fics anyway, so here they are:

Just. No. by frnklymrshnkly, PG, 400 words
Summary: How does Draco hate leather pants? Let him count the ways.

This was hilarious meta humor. It's a perfect scene, and Draco's snark and wit are spot on.

The man of the hour by digthewriter, PG-13, 1,180 words (fest link)
Summary: For the prompt: Pansy has enchanted Draco's birthday cake so it actually fulfils Draco's wish as he blows out the candles. Who would've thought Harry Potter would show up out of nowhere?

Very funny, very sexy and a perfect response to the prompt :) Loved it!

The Clinical Exam by sp_owl, NC-17, 1,337 words (fest link)
Summary: Harry is a healer in training. Malfoy is paid to be the patient.

I have a secret thing for medical kink, and this was terrific! The premise was pulled off really well: it was clear that Draco needed the money, and it seemed totally in character for him to be shameless about it and try to rile Harry up. And of course, Harry would get thrown off by Draco being his patient. Very fun.

These Familiar Things by disapparater, PG, 1,500 words (fest link)
Summary: Despite being a teacher, despite a library full of students, despite the thoughts he's having, despite... well, a lot of things, Harry will always end up fighting with Draco.

Sharp and witty and in character. Cute and enjoyable fic!

In the Hospital Wing by birdsofshore, R, 100 words
Summary: (my summary) Draco stumbles across Harry in the hospital wing sporting a *problem* he can help with.

When drabbles work, they REALLY work, and this one really works :) Hot and fun.

Kiss Me by lumosed_quill, R, 100 words (fest link)
Summary: Draco had a bad dream and Harry is all about making him forget.

She paints the whole scene and how their relationship works and makes it hot and it's only 100 words. Jesus.

The

hds_beltane fest is about to end, and 2015 will be its final year. As a retrospective, I have been going back through and reccing some of the best Drarry fics from all of the past nine years of the fest. The recs are divided into ~~three~~ four posts: 2007-2009, 2010-2011, 2012-2014 (this post), and 2015.

Note that this fest also includes Snarry, Snaco, and threesome combinations, but I'm just reccing Drarry.

2012
Harry Potter and the Missing Malfoy by treacle_tartlet, R, 6,000 words
Summary: The War is over, Tom Riddle is dead – properly this time – and Harry Potter has not exactly met the expectations of the Wizarding World. Instead of joining the Aurors, he tends the bar at the Leaky Cauldron and plays Quidditch pick-ups on his days off. And he’s perfectly happy, thank you, until Draco Malfoy goes missing…

Really this was delightful. The author has such a deft touch with banter and light back-and-forth humor. Draco has gone missing, and people keep asking Harry where he is - as if he should know!

2013
Turn Alight by strawberryroseg (aka girlythingsforgeekypeople), NC-17, 6,500 words
Summary: "So, how do we fix this?"
Hermione pursed her lips as she thought. Ron leaned into the table to look around her at Harry, a cheeky smirk on his face. "Do Beltane properly next time?"

The best part of this story are the flashbacks to the developing relationship between Harry and Draco, starting immediately after the Battle of Hogwarts, and continuing for a year until the following Beltane. Draco's state right after the battle is heartbreaking, and his and Harry's tentative steps towards more are wonderfully sketched.

2014
As good a reason as any by thisgirl_is, PG-13, 8,600 words (fest link)
Summary: For something Harry had never heard of before he had joined the Wizarding World, he really hated Beltane.

I really enjoyed this. Their conversation felt so realistic and adult and in character and interesting, and then the kiss, wow! And even though all they did was kiss, it was a bloody fantastic kiss :)

Skulking by teshara, R, 8,000 words
Summary: When Harry follows Draco out of the castle, the last thing he expects is to become caught up in a bonding ceremony. When they realize they’re going to have to learn how to live together neither of them is happy, but sometimes things have funny ways of working themselves out.

Clever story, as the idea of being 'bonded' through companion animals is unusual. The nature of the bond isn't well explained, but that is sort of the point: Harry and Draco misunderstand it as well and assume more is required of them than actually is :)

Links to my rec lists from all previous hds_beltane fests. Enjoy!

2007-2009

2010-2011

2012-2014 (this post)

2015

2015 is the last year of the

hds_beltane fest, so I am going back through and reccing some of the best Drarry fics from all of the past nine years of the fest. I've split the recs up into four posts: 2007-2009, 2010-2011 (this post), 2012-2014, and 2015.

Note that this fest also includes Snarry, Snarco, and threesome combinations, but I'm just reccing Drarry.

2010
Sex Ed for Aurors by curiouslyfic, R, 8,700 words (fest link)
Summary: Some things, you need to learn on the job. | Harry is dosed with a lust-potion and he desperately wants Malfoy, who is trying hard to reverse the effects and stave off Harry. When it wears off, Harry still goes after Malfoy, who realizes he wanted him anyway.

So well done. Very funny and also surprisingly very moving. Harry's thoughts while under the effects of the potion are hilarious, and Draco's flustered reactions are priceless.

The Slytherin Maypole Conspiracy by treacle_tartlet, NC-17, 2,500 words
Summary: It’s Beltane at Hogwarts; the bonfires have been built, the May Queen chosen, and the Maypole erected (ahem), but there have been rumours circulating about a Slytherin Conspiracy to steal the Maypole. Can Harry prevent Draco and his cronies from ruining the Beltane celebrations?

Perfect amount of lighthearted fun and heat and boys figuring things out. I only would have wanted more :)

2011
The Pensieve Project by curiouslyfic, PG-13, 7,300 words (fest link)
Summary: Of the 116 Hogwarts students who took part in the final battle, only five are officially invited to the Ministry's first annual memorial. For everyone else, there's the Pensieve Project.

Gorgeous story, feels like what should be the epilogue to the books. Draco/Harry is just a background pairing in this fic, which is more about the surprising friendship that developed between Draco and Neville at Hogwarts while Harry and friends were off Horcrux hunting, and the suffering of the student body under the Carrows. Draco is trying to find a way for everyone start to heal, and the insights we get into the past through the memories he collects are just stunning.

The Door to May by noeon, NC-17, 5,000 words (fest link)
Summary: An emotional intervention at the Beltane fires in Ottery St Catchpole occasions a fierce row between the partnered Aurors Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy. Unlike their usual disputes, neither of them can walk away from this one.

There is so much emotional depth at the start of this fic - I really felt for both of them and Draco's quiet dignity in particular. And then the sex is really hot, so that's just a bonus :)

Defence Mechanisms by aquila_star, NC-17, 13,000 words (fest link)
Summary: Harry and Draco are in love. But love doesn’t sail smoothly when you’re too busy putting up walls to see that it’s in your hands. A series of episodes that, hopefully, tell their story.

Harry and Draco have been sleeping with each other for months, each sure the other wants nothing more than an easy shag, and each carefully shielding their heart from pain by convincing the other they feel nothing. So of course it all blows up. This story is told in a series of non-linear vignettes which draw you in and keep you wondering how they got where they are and how they'll ever figure it all out. It's hot and intense and totally entertaining.

Links to my rec lists from all previous hds_beltane fests. Enjoy!

2007-2009

2010-2011 (this post)

2012-2014

2015

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	The Boy Who Scored by alby_mangroves ( R \| Pastels ) 26-Nov-2015 From the prompt: Blowjob or sex in the shower This piece is so gorgeous! The expressions on both of their faces, how we get a hint of what's happening but nothing actually explicit, the look of the shower, the artist's skill with working with pastels - everything is so well done! Such wonderful naturalistic details too, like the way Draco is holding Harry's glasses. Beautiful, beautiful piece of art.
	Salvation by citrus_lime ( PG-13 \| Digital ) 8-Nov-2015 From the prompt: Harry as an Angel, Draco as a Devil – or the other way around, Draco as an Angel, Harry as a Devil. Another beautiful and stunning piece of art! I love the pose and their expressions - it looks like a renaissance painting. They both look like angels to me :)
	The Photo Booth by isinuyasha ( PG \| Photoshop ) 4-Nov-2015 From the prompt: Harry and Draco are in a photo booth. They can make a face, smile, bicker, kiss (and even more…) or whatever the artist has in mind. I love the progression of poses from the kissing booth! It captures so much of how I think these two would be. A lovely and well rendered piece :)
	Aurors by lokeloke ( PG \| Photoshop ) 24-Nov-2015 From the prompt: A dark alleyway/street // Uniform, boots, gloves, belts, buckles nngh* // Wands drawn, casting spells* I love how the artist conceived of their uniforms, and the determination in Harry's expression. The whole thing is so very well drawn. I also love how the background gives the impression of detail, yet is indistinct so as not to detract from the focus of the piece. Beautifully done :)
	Voldie's Minions by naadi ( PG \| Photoshop ) 14-Nov-2015 From the prompt: Up to the artist. I just want to see Harry and Draco as any Minion character of your choice. OMG, I straight up love this to pieces! It's so cute and hilarious and manages to be the Despicable Me/Harry Potter fusion I didn't even know I needed ♥ I love how well the artist captured the look and spirit of the Minions (ooopsies? - ha!) and I love that they gave them all the necessary characteristics to make them recognizably Harry and Draco as well. Kudos to the mystery artist!

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Entries tagged with fest recs

Fest Recs from HD-Remix 2017

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Fest Recs from HD-Owlpost 2015

Fic recs from assorted 2015 HP fests

Fest Recs from HD-erised 2015

Art recs from the 2015 HD-fanart fest

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Drabble recs from Slythindor100's LDWS 2010

Fic Recs from the harrybang and bottom_draco 2015 fests

Fest recs from HD-eighthyear 2015

Fest recs from Slythindor100's LDWS 2015

Fic recs from HD-collab 2015

Fic recs from HD-Smoochfest 2015

Fic recs from HDS Beltane 2015

Fic recs from HD-familyfest and HarryDracoMpreg 2015

Fic recs from Draco's Kinks and Tropes Party 2015

Fic recs from HDS Beltane: 2012, 2013, 2014

Fic recs from HDS Beltane: 2010 & 2011