snowgall

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.