kismetsorbit

[kismetsorbit]

Bound: The Favourites: A @mallstars Anthology

Typeset and bound by: me, @phoenixortheflame. Featuring art by: @basiatlu, @appleslightning, @reliand, @itsphantasmagoria, @faiell

Here's a little tidbit you should know about me: The first Drarry I ever read was Save the Date by mallstars. I had listened to a few before that, but the first one I actually downloaded to my e-reader and read front to back was STD.

It captivated me. It made me feel things. And it kicked off a record-breaking year of reading nearly 3 million words of Drarry fanfic.

Needless to say, I have a soft spot for mall and their work. And I'd seen a lot of binds of "Save the Date" and "Cut From the Sky," but not their other works. So.. enter the anthology.

I'm a big science fiction fan, so my designs kept skewing that genre. It didn't help that @basiatlu made this epic artwork, which she created in collaboration with mall for their sci-fi AU piece, Blood Orange.

I had already decided on a colour palette: orange, purple, and lavender (don't ask me why), and Bosh was an absolute legend to offer to adjust the colours of her original art to match. (Ty, Bosh!)

It was my first time using printable canvas as a wrap cover, and though there were a few, "oh, fuck" moments, ultimately it turned out really well, and I'll absolutely be doing it again.

I had planned not to do a dust jacket and instead apply the fic titles and anthology title directly onto the canvas with HTV. But then I got scared as shit that I would melt the canvas, and so I chose to leave the cover blank - and, honestly? - I'm super happy I did, because it really showcases the art.

Speaking of art... the typeset is brimming with it. From top-left we have art from @appleslightning, @reliand, @itsphantasmagoria, and @faiell.

The rest of the typeset is heavily influenced by science fiction aesthetic, as you can see with the fonts and my frankly excessive use of gradients. (Take a guess at how many ink cartridges I blew through.)

And the colour palette continued through to the bind itself in the end papers, as well as the end bands and speckled edges, which I achieved using acrylic ink and a toothbrush (thanks to @maleekamolscreates for holding my hand through the process!)

As always, I added a cheeky barcode.

I literally cannot help myself.

It's a line from one of my favourite mallstars one-shots, Birthright, in which Draco is a kleptomaniac. It's romantic! Really!

Also on the dust jacket flap is a buncha nice stuff people have said about mall and their work. (Looking at you, @fastbrother, @smehur, @desertforestfic, @tripably, @garagepaperback, @kk1smet.)

I hope you love it, mall!

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At this point I’ll be satisfied with however they want to portray kastle. If they want to be loud, make them kiss / have sex, i’ll be more than excited. These are new and different takes of these two characters, they’re different from the way Frank Castle and Karen Page were ever written before, and they’re both deserving of having at least one night. I recently left a comment under an anti kastle post defending them with something like “frank had a night with Beth, why can’t Karen and him ever be something?”, to which they replied with “clapping cheeks isn’t the same as being in a compromised relationship.” LMAO it does sound funny but it’s also true. A true happy ending is maybe too much dreaming, but all I'm asking for as a kastle shipper is them exchanging support and *actually* letting themselves find comfort in each other for once. These are two characters built on pain, loss and the seeking of redemption, and they have gradually created a beautiful “found family” arch/connection that goes deeper than in does in other ships. Which is why if they also want to be subtle and silent in their encounters, have them just silently look into each others eyes or a small profound talk, I’ll be more than happy too. Let these characters and let the audience learn something with Frank and Karen’s loneliness.

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We have scenes of Frank being tortured showing absolutely no fear at all. But the thought of Karen in danger? Pure, unadulterated terror.

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Little james is angy😾 Don't steal his mother's kisses, Harry James Potter!

(Idea from @ ThrowAwayWorld on X)

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commission!

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HP Rec Fest 2024

day 19: a fanart

it felt a bit unfair to pick only one fanart over so many incredible works I’ve seen this year, so I’ve decided to make this a proper reclist linking some of my 2024 favourites! tysm @hprecfest for the opportunity to showcase how brilliant, prolific and creative our fandom is, and to share love for both Drarry and rare pairs. I’m in awe of these works and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did 💜

Drarry:

Advent Again by dustmouth

Art for By the Grace by @appleslightning

Art for In Evidence of Magical Theory by @willywat

Art for Modern Love by @kk1smet

Art for Nice Things by appleslightning

Art for Spoiled Little Brat by appleslightning

Coffee shop by @goldmanrustic

Draco Malfoy's Pro Tips for Getting Exactly What You Want (NSFW) by @maesterchill

Proposal & NSFW collection by @littlewinnow

Día de las Velitas by @substellaris

Draco by @garagepaperback

Fuck the Daily Prophet by @the-forbidden-forest

HBD Draco by @fictional

Inktober by @gr33nmushy

Lazy Sundays by @amomorii

Like Old Times & Pro Quidditch Players by @mzuul

NSFW by @putridpommes

Of Cabinets and Cupboards & Caught by @faiell

Pirate AU & NSFW collection by @slyssnakes

Ruined Robes by @eleadore

Talk Tonight by @getawayfox

To the Faire & Holiday Draco by @itsphantasmagoria

Veela Draco by @lilbeanz

Rare pairs:

Art for Nightswimming by appleslightning (Dronarry)

Art for Trine by eleadore (Tedrarry)

Art for Welcome, Peasants by putridpommes (Dronarry)

Compliment & Looking at you by @flymetosnarryland (Snarry)

Dirty Secret by flymetosnarryland (Draco/Sirius)

First kiss by @forestdeath1 (Prongsfoot)

Strong and Fast Lovers by @sugareey-makes-stuff (Ginsy)

Vamp!Marlily by @corwnvus

Gen:

Animagus Harry by eleadore

Death Eater Draco by @longdaytogo

Drapple by @ziggystqrdust

Golden Trio by @naw-sya

Sketch by @handledwithgloves

[kismetsorbit]

Day 20: a fic with fanart

📚 Who we are in the shadows by @quicksilvermaid

Draco/Harry, 99k, E

Summary:

What happens when you’re forced to become the very thing you despise? Ex-Auror Harry Potter, tossed out of the Ministry for something he had no control over, has been looking for a way back to his former life. When he comes across Draco Malfoy in the criminal underbelly of Wizarding London and in need of protection, Harry figures bringing him in to face the Ministry's justice is his ticket back to everything he's lost. But nothing is exactly as it seems. Not even Harry himself. And as he gets drawn further and further into Malfoy's world of honour and deception he finds himself questioning everything he thought he knew—about his childhood nemesis, the Ministry job he misses so much, and most of all, about himself. What happens when you’re forced to see that you were wrong?

Fanart links

🖤Kismet's portrayal of Harry's delirium in the cabin by @kk1smet

🐩 zigster's vision of Harry and his wolf by @zigster-ao3

🤍 junk-ren's depiction of their first meeting

☕ Creeee's art of Draco and Harry hanging out in the apartment by @creeeee

🐺⚡🗡🌕

I have tried, numerous times, to put my stream of consciousness that is me talking about this fic and its' fanart into something resembling a proper rec. Please be kindly informed that I have failed. Apparently, when there's Wolf Harry involved, I loose my ability to be coherent so enjoy me screaming about this work - in spoilers and quotes -under the cut <3

Thank you @hprecfest for the prompt, @quicksilvermaid for creating this story and @kk1smet, @zigster-ao3, junk-ren and @creeeee for sharing your wonderful art with us!

See y'all for day 21 prompt <3

OKAY, here goes!

In the very first scene of the fic Harry recognizes Draco while they are both glamoured by his behaviour alone. He could probably write a PhD on Draco Lucius Malfoy with minimal effort 😅 Oh and the classic "Scared, Malfoy" also makes an appearance as beautifully illustrated by junk-ren <3

The socio-political aspect of the story! Harry is bitten while on duty and he gets sacked bc they can't employ werewolves ????? But they can have people out there on the missions that have put them in this position in the first place? Literally what is this shit! The society's prejudice is harmful enough but what's breaking my heart is that Harry believes it. And then as we learn what exactly has happened and just how conficted Harry is about the way he is now - well, by the end of the story I couldn't help by feel proud of the progress he's made :') The way were-creatures are treated in this society is an excellent metaphore for minorities of any kinds and as a member of one such group, it felt so validating to read about it illustrated like that *melts*

So now Harry is ex-Auror, and rightfully bitter about it, he does private commsions under alias HUNTER JAMES. Yes, you're reading this right. Oh bby, you are NOT being subtle xd Draco, on the other hand, is a fugitive. Which makes for a very delicious suspense throughout the story, the boys never being sure of each other.

Bodyguard Harry while Draco is the brain of the operation !!!!! I am not okay. Literally Harry being muscle (and scents xd) of the op while Draco does all the planning. Exquisite. Also boys just... being themselves ^^

Harry pulls his arm out of Malfoy's grip and barely resists snarling at him. He's suddenly sick of being treated like Malfoy's lackey. 'I'm just the hired muscle, remember. I hardly think it matters if I look pretty.' Malfoy's mouth thins in displeasure. 'And that is exactly why you're the hired muscle and I'm the one hiring you. I know exactly what's needed for you to fit in and not embarrass me, and it's a tailored suit and you need it now. So shut up and hurry up.' Harry narrows his eyes and Malfoy does the same right back.

Werewolf Harry!!!! Scenting !!!! Protective instincts!!!!! TAKING A LITERAL KNIFE FOR DRACO AND ALmosT DyiNg WHIle Draco takes them to a safe house in the middle of nowhere AND TAKES CARE OF HIM WHILE HE’s deLiriouS. And thanks to @kk1smet we have the visual of this scene!!! There's also this little fact that Harry is able to smell bodily reactions so he’s aware of more than Draco wants him to see:

Harry waves the question away. 'So, what prep do you need me to do?' Malfoy's eyes flick across his body for an instant and Harry smells a hint of arousal. It surprises him enough that he breathes deeper, almost unconsciously, but when he meets Malfoy's eyes, there's no hint of his reaction to the words. He wonders if he's mistaken. There's no way Malfoy could be interested in him, especially not after the conversation they'd just had.

... which still doesn't make him any smarter about said reactions 😅

Not to mention his wolf part wants what it wants:

'I need some air,' Harry growls, needing to be away from Malfoy; to be away from the intensity of his emotions. It's the moon, he knows that. He always gets more protective this close to the full moon; always fixates more on people. This level of emotion, though—jealousy—is one he doesn't normally experience. He doesn't like it. He especially doesn't like that it's directed at Malfoy. Fucking wolf. 

I don't know about you but I was cheering for the wolf to have his way 🐺

Harry having the Weasleys as his pack 😭😭😭

'Hi, Harry,' Bill says, reaching out and drawing him into a hug. There's no trace of surprise in his voice. Harry spends most of his moons at the Burrow, weak and shivering through his suppressant potions as Molly fusses over him. Bill holds him tight and Harry lets himself relax into the embrace, letting the familiar sound of Bill's heartbeat relax him slightly.

Harry not accepting himself and keeping his lycanthropy a secret while Draco has ZERO PROBLEM with it AND HE FIGURED IT OUT RIGHT AWAY!!!!!!!!!!! He was literally like, yeah, cool, cool, can we go on now please? And not only that he was literally campaigning wolf rights to Harry himself!

Loyalty Bond!!!!

You wear something of mine - traditionally it would be a house sigil, but I don't think you sporting the Malfoy crest would be advisable.' Malfoy smiles, but there is no warmth in his eyes. 'Then we cast a bond that ties you to me. […] Your mind and your will would be your own. You'd just be incapable of betraying me.' He holds up his hand, clearly anticipating Harry's next objection. 'You would be able to remove the Bond at any time. You just remove the object I give you.'

And despite knowing that, Harry keeps blaming the bond for catching feelings

The bond is creating that sharp, twisting feeling, that feels like jealousy, when he watches Malfoy flirting with the brawny man opposite him.

I hate to break it to you baby but that's just you xd

Also, right after Draco tells Harry he’s not in touch with his family, Harry emphasizes immediately with such feeling:

He feels a tug of loneliness in his chest, at the thought of being without a pack. He forces himself to put ideas like that aside. Thoughts like that are dangerous. Malfoy is his path back into the Ministry and a former Death Eater who needs to be put back in Azkaban where he belongs. That's it.

Sure bby, of course, keep telling yourself that.

There's anger in the room. Sadness. Disgust. It hits him at once, all of it, and it's all he can do to keep standing. Then Malfoy is there, and the door is swinging closed again, cutting the overload off briefly. Malfoy's scent wraps around him as he clenches Harry's arm, leaning in close to look into his face. 'Hunter?' he says, his voice a mixture of annoyance and something else Harry can't quite recognise. 'What's going on?

I can recognise it, it’s concern, it’s care, it’s a hint at the delightful hurt/comfort we are about to be treated with 😄

Oh, and in the meantime, Harry WORKS OUT. Just like that, while poor Draco tries to do some research. Go check out @creeeee's work if you want to see how difficult that must have been for our favourite Slytherin 😅

Also, the UST, the lust and wanting underlying the plot. Which takes some turns but the climax is sooooo satysfying. Of both the plot and the plot-what-plot part :D Honestly, this fic is so hot, I just cannot

THE CAVE SCENE!!

I will never forget it. It was so special :') Wolf Harry!! I love him. He's just a big puppy with sharp teeth, the end. Go see @zigster-ao3's idea of Harry and his wolf and imagine them in that scene. Now you have the visual for all those feelings, good luck ever forgetting that!

Finally I loooooove how we can see their relationship changing over chapters. It so gratyfying when reading a longer fic, when you can explore their relationship's evolving from barely accepting each other to this fierce feeling of adoration.

Lastly - the last chapter. This one I don't want to spoil because honestly, I had tears in my eyes reading this. SO IYKYK 🤍🦊

'I wanted to run with you, though.'

[kismetsorbit]

The Boy from the Piano Shop by @soliblomst

After going blind in a reckless attempt to avenge Ginny's death, Harry battles with severe depression. One day, he stumbles upon a quaint piano restoration shop in the heart of London and meets the owner, a kindly old man, and his introverted young apprentice, whose voice sounds strangely familiar. As Harry and Draco slowly reconnect through private piano lessons, the small workshop becomes Harry's refuge, offering him a glimmer of hope in a world without eyes. (Set five years after the Battle of Hogwarts)

This story is heartbreaking and wholesome, starkly realistic and hopelessly romantic, all at once. Harry's grief is omnipresent and at times, truly, deeply harrowing; but it's never gratuitous or melodramatic. And the pain is well-balanced by the peace and joy he and Draco find in one another's company. The two scenes where Draco unexpectedly dons a scarf are guaranteed to remain in your memory forever. 🥹

There's also this incredible art for it by @kk1smet!

This is the second fic where one of Drarry goes blind that I recommended during this fest (the first was Draco in Darkness by plumeria47, recced here). Fair to say this theme scratches some itch...

Thanks to @hprecfest for the prompt!

[kismetsorbit]

Draco as a Beauxbatons student isn't all that uncommon to see in Drarry AUs, but Beauxbatons Harry in fic or art isn't something I'd seen before. Je te reverrai is a combination of incredible art by @kk1smet and brilliant writing by @soliblomst and if you haven't read it yet, you should! Harry is charismatic, self-assured, and French. Which (sorry to my British ancestors) is very hot.

Draco/Harry | Rated E | 16k words

Summary:

When Beauxbatons visited Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament, Draco managed to control his attraction to fourteen-year-old Harry Potter. When Beauxbatons returns three years later for a cultural exchange, Draco's attraction to seventeen-year-old Harry Potter is impossible to curtail. In his defence, Harry's perfectly tailored blue robes, mixed signals, and French accent do not help.

Tags: Hogwarts Seventh Year, Beauxbatons Student Harry, Harry Speaks French, Alternate Universe - Baby Harry Kills Voldemort, Pining Draco, Confident Harry, Anal Sex, Switching, Digital Art

🍃🍀🍂🍁

📚 Check out the rest of the recs at @hprecfest 📚

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Drarry art in no particular order...

🩷 MY FRIENDS SAY I SHOULDN'T SEE YOU ANYMORE by Bichol / @bicholsdrarrysideblog - Based on Olivia Rodrigo's 'Bad Idea, Right?'. The colours in this art are gorgeous and the attention to detail is second to none.

Link to part 1 on Tumblr Link to complete work on AO3

🩵 Also from this year's Wireless Fest, He Did It by whileatwiltshire / @legendrarry - hilarious expressions, gorgeous colouring, Harry at his most petty!

AO3 link

🧡 Anything by chachisoo / @creeeee but especially "H. J. Potter", (2019) oil on canvas, Draco Malfoy and Revelio! - what don't I like here?? The backgrounds in the former are beyond words and the tiny details on the character's bodies in the latter are just 🙏👌 I could stare at these forever

HJP AO3 link Revelio! AO3 link

💜 The impact of @upthehillart on my personal psyche cannot be overstated. Each character has such a distinct, realistic look that they don't need to be named - you can tell exactly who you're looking at. Every small skin, hair, and clothing detail adds up to an absolute masterpiece that I would hang on my wall. I adore everything they have ever created, but especially this animated art of a rainy night at home and this one of forehead kisses

Rainy night at home Tumblr link Forehead kisses

💚 @kk1smet has such a unique way of drawing characters that are instantly recognisable as being their work; the linework and the blending is always beautiful, the scenarios are varied, and the emotions of the characters jump off the screen. I simply could not pick my favourite, although Beauxbatons!Harry and these 'missed look' frames are definitely up there!

Beauxbatons Harry Tumblr link 'Missed look' Tumblr link

💛 Not only is @littlewinnow a top-tier human, but their art is bloody faultless. It never fails to make me smile when I see it cross my dash. See below for Tumblr links to some of my faves:

Cat Animagus Harry Draco's marketing pitch / the cauldron hat from my fic 'A Wizard's Guide to Coparenting with your ex-arch nemesis' Failed Proposal The best breakfast food you've ever seen outside of an anime Winnow's entire 'Drarry Dads' tag. Do yourself a favour and just go through the whole thing

🍃🍀🍂🍁

📚 Check out the rest of the recs at @hprecfest 📚

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day 7 of @hprecfest — the best of your OTP

wit's end with this prompt, went through all my oldest bookmarks to pinpoint what about harry potter & draco malfoy sank its fangs into me eleven years ago and— look—

i can't remember the first h/d fic i read, but it would have been from @dictacontrion's daily drarry quotes initiative— a splendid system queueing delicious h/d snippets that ran from 2013 to early 2022. dicta wrote many of my early h/d favourites, the stuff that really got me into this ship, but the DDQ initiative was my first exposure to what prolific reading & fandom engagement looked like. DDQ led me to dicta's curated recs here on tumblr and here on LJ— gorgeous selections that were a crash course in learning my tastes.

hungry for more lists (still didn't quite trust myself with ao3/ffnet's search functions), i found @capiturecs' meticulous & immensely navigable LJ rec archive + rec tag & @gracerene-recs' drarry tag. i still go back to these, especially for older fics i don't see recced all that much anymore.

@drarryspecificrecs' reccing & fic finding catalogues running since 2017 are something else; their work on their main blog, on @drarryspecificrecsdaily & as part of @lostdrarryfics (if i'm not mistaken) is an enduring force in this fandom. their consistent contributions put so many underrated fics on my dash i wouldn't encounter otherwise, and it's always a joy to get the tag notif when i post something on ao3. (also here's a drarry reccers masterlist curated by LDF, i haven't checked out everyone on it, but go forth & enjoy!)

@bridenore has been reading fic on a scale i can only aspire to, their continuously updating rec tag is such a diverse list of reads across tropes & fests. @mxlfoydraco's one-stop-shop masterlist is also glorious.

@thedrarrylibrarian's friends of the library initiative is such a fun take on showing love to fanwork & building community— every rec, interview & adjacent commentary felt like having a warm mug of hot chocolate with a friend. here's the masterlist!

i'm also loving the collaborative brilliance of @drarry-reccage ('get recced!' is phenomenal energy)— seven pals putting time into fresh recs. individual tags: @cailynwrites' tag here; @dontthrowsticksatme's tag here; @garagepaperback's tag here; @kk1smet's tag here; @mallstars' tag here; @pl0tty's tag here; @sweatersinthesummer's tag here.

i also love @sweet-s0rr0w's recs (masterlist & tag); i love how inventive she is with themes (the collaborative sex scene rec initiative is fucking inspired). sweet is also doing recfest, check out the tag!

@ghaniblue's monthly reading lists are always fun & fresh + acari's rec tag includes their recfest entries, featuring some drarry, some other ships (including rarepairs), so go have a look!

in general, i've always loved creative recs, so @onbeinganangel's embroidery recs were some of the most fantastic stuff to ever cross my dash (i was lucky enough to get one for my birthday a few years ago & it changed my life). wistfulrats themed recs + commentary were also brilliant. this author list by @bogglebeans was also wonderfully unique & had great takes.

and! of course! @sitp-recs whose blog & person are both gems, whose participation in this fandom is an absolute beacon of light. liv reads & recs with such infectious enthusiasm & i only realised how much of a love song reccing could be for works & creators i enjoy and admire through following her. here's her masterlist of masterlists & every link is delightful. liv also runs incredibly, incredibly kind initiatives, the hidden gems series stands out, as does running @yours-drarry blog which is a platform to send appreciation to fandom participants, so if you've got some love to show someone this holiday season, hop on over!

this is by no means a comprehensive overview of all the reccing that goes on in this fandom, i'm probably missing much more than i've counted (speaking of, if you rec & i've missed you, let me know and i'll follow your tag). but among the many things i adore about h/d fandom, the robust reccing culture occupies one of the top spots, not only because it shows appreciation for creators but because it's such a distilled display of excitement for participating in fandom— all of us poking each other and being poked to go look at that cool, brilliant, fantastic thing, jittery to wax poetic about it. reccers held my hand in fandom when i didn't know what i was doing, relentlessly cheered (other) creators on, cultivated a participative space for readers & lurkers and set the bar in so many ways.

to everyone who keeps the h/d fandom alive— reccers, but also writers, artists, podficcers, fest moderators, editors, cheerleaders, readers, lurkers, everyone, everyone, past & present: you are the best of this ship.

for all the love, time & effort you've poured into this space, thank you.

[kismetsorbit]

filter on ao3 that only shows fic by women in their 40s who has a degree and works an office job and probably leaves authors notes that are like “sorry for the wait on the chapter guys! i had to give birth to my third kid😂”

[kismetsorbit]

i love john brosio paintings bc theyll be an absolute gut punch that forces you to consider your own morality like two earthlings and they will also be Big Crab

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don't give up

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Saved for Later

I got tagged by @phoenixortheflame and @kamaela to do this game which is posting a deleted snippet from a fic but I will be open and honest—up until this month I had to get everything done in my one (1) good week a month and usually write so close to deadline that I don't take stuff out wholesale, so this would be a confusing bunch of words and half-sentences if I could even find them?? So instead I will give you this snippet of a fuck-or-die drarry fic I started in the summer and will someday hopefully finish :)

“It’s a sex ritual,” Draco shouts, directly into Harry’s face. “Sex magic. The price is an offering of sexual energy. One of us has to agree to—to receive—to accept the—the enthusiastic attentions of the other, in a ritualised display of—”

Harry’s hand shoots into the air.

Draco blinks. 

Then blinks again.

And then he leans back and stares, lips parted.

“Potter.” He’s exactly as soft as the singing magic. “Have you raised your hand?”

“Yep.”

“Do you understand what I’ve just said?”

“You said one of us has to get railed, hard, in order to do the ritual. I volunteer. To get railed,” Harry adds, in case it wasn’t clear what he was putting himself forwards for. “By you.” Can’t be any mistaking it now. “I accept your, er, enthusiastic attentions.”

Draco swallows. “Grudgingly?”

“What?”

“Are you only volunteering because you’re afraid to die in this vault? I realise the issues of consent in this case are quite thorny, so if another arrangement would be more—”

“I haven’t got thorns.”

“Excuse me?” Draco leans back in, as if he has to see Harry’s lips move to believe it.

“I haven’t got any thorns,” Harry says, louder. “No thorns of consent. I definitely want you to rail me enthusiastically. I enthusiastically want that. Unless you don’t, in which case you can, like, close your eyes. Or Obliviate me afterwards. Or we can both get Obliviated. I’d rather not, though. Get Obliviated, I mean. But—”

“Put your hand down, for Merlin’s sake.”

[kismetsorbit]

Professionalism sucks I wanna put "😭😭" in my emails.