#H/D Cluefest 2022

[dewitty1]

My Best Friend, the Serial Killer

trishjames @thusspoketrish

Chapters: 8/8 Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter Characters: Pansy Parkinson, Hermione Granger, Original Male Character(s) Additional Tags: Hermione Granger & Draco Malfoy Friendship, Minor Pansy Parkinson/Harry Potter, Certain Things Left Untagged to Avoid Spoilers, Dark Humor, Campy/Kitsch Elements, Angst, Serial Killer!Pansy, Draco is a good friend, healer!Draco, Healer!Hermione, cursebreaker!harry, Barista!Pansy, St Mungo's Hospital, Curses, Femme Fatale Trope, Tenderness, Flirting, True Love, self love, Breakups, Best Friends, flatmates, Jealousy, Everyone's a lil messy, Unreliable Narrator, Infidelity (not between Harry and Draco), A Dinner Party From Hell, Alcohol, Draco plays Saint-Saëns, Bisexual Harry, Rituals, Medical Emergency, Murder, Description of blood and wounds, description of dead bodies, Lots of Tea, Draco hates his boss, Bleach Makes Draco Happy, Anal Sex, morally grey behavior, graphic description of violence, H/D Cluefest 2022

Summary:

Draco’s best friend and flatmate Pansy Parkinson is a lot of things: she’s beautiful, intelligent, doting, and a bit unnerving…but Draco loves her all the same, even if he has to clean up after her bloody – ah, messy romantic breakups more than usual. He doesn’t mind, after all, what are best friends for? But Draco starts to question just how far his love can go when Pansy brings home her next victim – ah, boyfriend, Harry Potter.

Excerpt:

The lights were off, save for the yellow glow of the bedside light and the bright, colourful diagnostic charm floating above Potter’s bed to show his vitals. Potter was sitting up in bed, his hospital gown open, exposing his chest and the heavy bandages on his abdomen.

Potter brought a finger to his lips to hush Draco as he stepped further into the room. Granger was curled up on the armchair facing Potter’s bed, sound asleep. Draco nodded and pulled out his wand to cast a Muffliato.

“She’s not going to like that if she wakes up,” Potter rasped.

The corner of Draco’s lip curled as he sidled up beside Potter’s bed. “After the day we’ve all endured, I’m certain she’ll spare us her tirade.” He paused, eyes cast downward, and gestured towards Potter’s stomach. “May I touch you?”

Potter chuckled. “For the man who saved my life, you can do a lot more than that.”

Draco stilled. “There’s no need to make things uncomfortable for me, Potter. Please remember that I’m your Healer.”

Potter bowed his head. “Yeah, you’re right, I’m sorry,” he muttered. When he glanced up at Draco, he smiled sheepishly, one hand scratching the back of his neck. “I suppose I don’t know what else to say to the man who saved me.”

Draco cast Cleansing and Protective Charms over his hands and began removing the bandages to expose the shiny pinkened colour of new skin growth across what was most definitely a taut, defined abdomen.

“Sometimes less is more,” Draco said quietly, pocketing his wand. His fingers danced across Potter’s skin, and he gently pressed the tips of his fingers into the thin edges of the puffy, pink skin. “A simple thank you would suffice,” Draco said, continuing to press down on Potter’s stomach with a feather-light touch. “This all seems to be healing nicely, Potter. If everything else checks out, I believe you’ll be home this time tomorrow,” Draco said.

Potter’s hand darted out to wrap around one of Draco’s wrists. “Thank you,”’ he whispered.

Draco’s pulse raced at the touch. Potter’s thumb caressed the bone of his wrist, and as if he’d been burned, Draco yanked himself free with a wince. “There’s no need to thank me, I was doing my job,” he said evenly before continuing his examination. Draco could feel Potter’s eyes on him, but refused to look up from his abdomen.

“The moment that gem came into view, I knew I was a dead man. I was already saying my goodbyes in my head before it knocked me out. I never should have taken the Dolohov vault job,” Potter said quietly.

Draco nodded. “The entire magical world would agree with you. Did you accidentally touch it?” Draco finally glanced up at him.

Tiny creases appeared between Potter’s eyebrows. “I think I was drawn to it...I remember fighting like hell to get away from it. There must’ve been some sort of spell, but I can fight off an Imperius, so why wouldn’t I be able to fight off the lure of some gaudy jewellery?” Potter smiled crookedly at him. Draco found it strangely charming.

Draco frowned, and finally made the connection between the vault and his aunt. “There have been studies made to show that certain Dark lures can be stronger than others based on the strength of intent or if the individual casting is wholly human. I would wait a month before surrounding yourself with potential Creatures, spells, or objects that have a strong lure, as your magical core will still be healing from the effects of the gem. There were rumours that my dear Aunt Bella and Dolohov were a thing, and an Imperius would’ve been a child’s game to her in protecting precious jewels from him. She was always so paranoid, her murderous intent would absolutely heighten an Imperius. She would’ve killed anyone that knew of her relationship with Dolohov, especially since she was strictly considered Voldemort’s plaything.”

Potter shook his head slowly, that smile still in place. “That’s…a lot to unpack right now.”

Draco shrugged. “Regardless, your injuries make more sense now that I know it was a Curse possibly created by Bellatrix,” Draco said as he concluded his examination of Potter’s abdomen. He knew from first-hand observation as a teenager the immense joy Bellatrix experienced in Cursing her jewellery gifted to her by Antonin, as she bragged often to Mother about it. She was his favourite mistress and often secured her jewels in his personal vault. “You’re very lucky to be alive.”

“Am I supposed to feel this sore if I’m lucky?”

Draco strained not to smile. “Soreness is expected, considering your injury. I can give you something for the discomfort, if you need it?”

Potter laughed. “Nah. I reckon I’ll survive.”

Draco nodded and then flicked his wand to project Potter’s vital signs. “Everything looks great. I think we can get you walking around in the next hour. I’d like to get some concentrated nutrient potions in you, and then once you have a successful bowel movement, we’ll get you discharged.”

“I can get up now,” Potter said, trying to twist his body towards Draco, wincing as his abdomen contracted.

Draco shook his head and placed a firm hand on Potter’s shoulder to stop him. “Those magical sutures aren’t a hundred percent fool-proof, and you are all fool, Potter. Don’t press your luck.” Draco wanted to kick himself. He hadn’t meant to revert to petty insults with Potter. This wasn’t Hogwarts, and Draco wasn’t a child anymore. Potter was his patient, and vulnerable, and didn’t deserve Draco’s silly ire. Before he could apologise, however, Potter began to laugh.

“Wanker,” Potter said fondly, wincing as he held his abdomen and laughed before settling against his pillows. “I’m not used to sitting around.” Potter’s smile was rakish, and it stirred something dormant in the pit of Draco’s stomach, which Draco belatedly recognised as lust. Merlin. Potter was too fit for his own good.

And so Draco continued to frown at him. “There’s no rush, Potter. Listen to your body. I’ll have a Magi-nurse come round to help you sit up properly and walk the floor. Until then, relax. Watch the newly integrated Muggle telly we have, or wake up Granger and talk her ear off, do anything but strain yourself.”

Potter’s gaze was curious. “Hermione told me you were different. She talks about you nonstop, actually. Always going on about how brilliant you are and how much you’ve changed since Hogwarts, but I never wanted to believe it. How could a git like you suddenly grow a conscience?”

Draco quirked a brow. “Hogwarts was a very long time ago, Potter.”

Potter glanced over at Granger. “That’s what Hermione said. She wants me to keep an open mind to the post-war world, as if I’m not aware of my surroundings and the changes happening around me every day,” Potter sighed.

Draco bit back a laugh. “Granger has a funny way of framing the obvious in ways that feel earth-shattering,” he said dryly.

Potter laughed, baring his teeth, his entire face lighting up. “She certainly has that skill down pat. But she’s rarely wrong. I was certainly wrong about you, and who you might be, post war.”

Draco absent-mindely licked his lips, unable to fight the blush that crept over his cheeks as Potter’s eyes followed the movement. He took two long steps back from Potter’s bed and bowed slightly. “I have no qualms admitting that I was not the sort of adolescent you should’ve entrusted your care to. I can understand why it would colour your perception of me today.”

Potter nodded and held his right hand out. “You could assure me I’ve entrusted my care to the right sort now, Malfoy.”

Draco stared blankly at the stretch of Potter’s palm. It looked calloused. “Well, I did save your life, isn’t that enough?”

“Maybe, maybe not,” Potter teased, hand still outstretched, and a rakish smile still in place.

Another ripple of desire tore through Draco, even as he scowled at Potter’s outstretched hand. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but there was something about Potter’s insolent behaviour that Draco found positively riveting. Without further thought, Draco grasped Potter’s hand, only slightly surprised when Potter’s grip tightened, and he gently tugged Draco forward.

He was right. The plain of Potter’s hand was rough. It felt good against Draco’s softer skin.

“Thank you for saving my life. When I came to and saw you – saw that it was you, I…” Potter closed his eyes briefly and a deep sigh escaped him. “I didn’t know what was happening and there you were, surrounded by all this light and I thought – I didn’t know what I thought, I was so frightened. And then you whispered to me, that I was okay, that I was going to make it, and I – I knew I wanted to trust you, that I could trust you. So, thank you Malfoy…Draco…for saving me.”

That tender feeling was once again growing in Draco’s chest, but this time Draco allowed it to rush through him. “You’re so very welcome, Potter,” Draco whispered.

Potter’s thumb caressed the inside of Draco’s wrist. “Call me Harry.”

Draco opened his mouth to protest, but a magazine landed at the foot of the bed and drew his attention away. His hand slipped free from Harry’s Potter’s as he turned to face an irate Granger.

Potter chuckled. “Told you she wouldn’t like it.”

(°◡°♡).:｡

[kythwena]

New York. He knew it was called the city that never sleeps. As someone suffering from PTSD and insomnia, while embarking on a journey that would require rigorous study, Draco figured he’d acclimate in a city that suffered just as much as he did.

My Best Friend, the Serial Killer by trishjames @thusspoketrish Collection: H/D Cluefest 2022

[drarryspecificrecs]

H/D Clue Fest 2022 : (fics only)

@hd-cluefest || official masterpost || AO3 || ∑ = 26 works (art, fic, podfic) The Mods : @evaeleanor, @p1013 & @slytherco Banner © : @babooshkart's a living thing

(Un)Anticipated by @p1013 [E, 8k]   *restricted

Blink and You'll Miss It by shush0_0 [M, 10k]

Cold by @steampunkserpent27 [M, 6k]

Draco Malfoy and the Broken Room by @aprofessionalprotagonist [T, 7k]

The Ever-Changing Room by @cavendishbutterfly [E, 33k]

F*ck! by @orange-peony [E, 28k]

Heartlines by @sorrybutblog [T, 22k]

A Love Like Salt by @purplehotmess [E, 24k]

Memento Mori by @crazybutgood & @fantalfart [M, 24k]

Memory Lost | You Found by @maraudersaffair [E, 29k]

My Best Friend, the Serial Killer by @thusspoketrish [E, 37k]

Operation Dragon's Shenanigans by @nv-md [E, 14k]

Search & Find at Narcissan Blooms by @gryffindorhearts & @the-starryknight [T, 700]

a study in endings by @talkingtravesties [E, 29k]

Swallowing the Sun by @pheaphilus [T, 6k]

There’s a strange love inside (it’s getting louder) by @bluesundaycake [E, 31k]

Twist and Turn (Until We Find Our Way Out) by @assassinsdragons [T, 22k]

What is this, fucking Jeopardy? by @lumosatnight [E, 20k]

winter happens, like a secret by @thewakeless [E, 26k]

---

✔ other fests in 2022 ✔ fests in other years ✔ H/D ClueFest : 2021

[sitp-recs]

Hai Liv! Hope you’re doing well :D

I’m actually relatively new to the fandom and just had a burning question, what are all of the fic fests about?

Like I see things like Mpreg, Trans or Horror fests and I know what those are about but a lot of the ones like Wireless, Candy Hearts, Lights Camera Drarry, H/D Erised, Kill your darlings or even H/D Reverse Bang get me very confused as to what their purpose is.

I’m so sorry if the answer is supposed to be obvious, I promise I’m not trying to be ignorant but I went on the AO3 links to all these fests but I still emerged a little confused (it’s a dark time for my one little braincell, she’s very slow).

Thank you so much, ily <3

Hi anon! That’s a valid question, I get confused every now and then as well 😅 I’m listing a few below but pls note I’m not a fest connoisseur by any means, there are SO MANY out there I can barely keep track, fest mods are the unsung heroes of our fandom!

I’m probably forgetting a bunch so everyone’s more than welcome to jump in and add some more. For anyone interested, you can check a more or less updated calendar on this post by the great @drarryspecificrecs!

@hp-bodiceripper: romance novels

@hdcandyheartsfest: fluffy/lighthearted works

@hd-cluefest: mystery genre

@hpdarkarts | My Bloody Valentine: dark side of romance

@hpdrizzle: weather-themed fest

@hd-erised: gift fic exchange fest

@hd-fan-fair: thematic fest, each year has a different theme and 2022 is food & travel

@hd-fangfest: Vampire-centric fest

@hp-fearfest: based on spooky/horror prompts

@hd-hurtfest: angst + hurt/comfort works

@hp-mcd-fest | Kill Your Darlings: MCD (main characters death) prompts

@hpshipuary: different ships prompted per day

@lcdrarry | Lights Camera Drarry: based on movie prompts

@drarry-spin-the-wheel-fest: creators spin prompt wheels to inspire their works

@harrydracobang | Reverse Bang: Drarry anon fest with art + fic collabs

@hdsudsfest: anything involving bathing (baths, showers, hot tubs, saunas, etc)

@hd-wireless: based on song prompts

25 Days of Draco and Harry: Advent fest (25-chapter works posted daily until Christmas)

[softlystarstruck]

✩ softly reading april 4 - 10 ✩

in which i list every single drarry fic i’ve read this week in hopes that you, dear reader, find a fic you like too!

✩ - a fave | 🔥 - hot | 🌼 - gentle read | purple - reread

spotlight rec

✩ Per my last letter (I hope you choke on it) by @fluxweeed & @lastontheboat [T, 10k]

Dear Mr Potter, The answer is, and will remain, a no. Sincerely, Draco Malfoy, Accounts Manager, Phoenix Press / Or: the one where Harry has writer’s block and Malfoy isn’t helping. [H/D Mistletoe Exchange 2021]

longer reads

Dawn by @kedavranox [E, 28k]

The Aurors tend to assume that someone broke in That Night, and Harry doesn't want to make them think otherwise. He doesn’t want them to know that it wasn’t a break in at all. That it was Harry’s fault... that he let it happen.

✩ Between Myth and Man by @slytherco [E, 16k] 🔥

Draco, lost and a little broken, navigates post-war reality convinced that people like him should not be allowed to make their own choices. To solve the problem of his self-sabotaging tendencies, he starts taking a few drops of Veritaserum every morning. [HD Wireless 2020]

✩ Operation Dragon’s Shenanigans by @nv-md [E, 14k]

Harry's in love with Draco, but it's complicated. Even more complicated than 'I'm in love with my ex-archnemesis and I get dizzy every time I see him smile'. So, as he's done every year since he was eleven, Harry sets out to solve the mystery of 'Why is This Shit Happening to Me?'. [H/D Cluefest 2022]

That’s a second date question by acGranger [M, 10k]

Somehow Harry and Draco keep ending up on dates with each other - without really planning to. At some point it has to stop being a coincidence, right? [Harry/Draco Owlpost 2021]

short & sweet (< 10k)

Glamours That Don’t Fade by WouldItWere [E, 8.7k] 🔥

Draco can already tell it’s going to be an exhausting night, because he needs to spend hours rewriting mismarked Ministry files with Potter. However, when he arrives at Potter’s home unannounced, he realises that Potter has entirely different plans. And entirely different reasons why it’s going to be an exhausting night.

Choose by @l0vegl0wsinthedark [E, 4.2k] 🔥

Happiness is a choice.

Truth be told by tenthousandyears [E, 2.2k] 🔥

Playing Truth or Dare with the Slytherins had been a terrible idea. Being pinned against a wall by Malfoy while still on bloody Veritaserum was... well, hot as hell, and more than Harry thought he'd ever get, to be perfectly honest.

✩ Aftermath of an Accidental Bond by @the-starryknight [T, 1k]

When you took the Mungo's third shift, you knew there would be weird shit. You just didn't expect to find the most recognizable face in the Wizarding world shoved into a hospital cot beside Draco Malfoy.

art gallery

✩ a living thing by @babooshkart [G, art piece]

The closest house is miles away, and the red clay earth eats sound. He had married Draco, had moved here in hopes of a perfect love, a fantasy romance, but something is terribly wrong with this place. Draco is nervous, and tells Harry with his eyes not to drink the tea that his mother serves. [H/D Cluefest 2022]

✩ Mirror of Ytilaer by OkaySky [M, art piece] 🌼🏳️‍⚧️

"You're so beautiful," Harry murmured in Draco's ear. Draco suppressed a shiver; he could feel Harry's heavy-lidded gaze across his body just as tangibly as he could feel the gentle touch of his fingertips across his scars. "Shut it, Potter," Draco grumbled back. [HP Trans Fest 2022]

✩ Only In the Dark by @iero0 [T, art piece] 🌼

They do it in the dark where they can only feel the smiles on each other's faces.

previous softly reading lists

[drarryspecificrecsdaily]

2022.03.22

Complete fics posted on AO3 this day

1. and tomorrow, and the earth by crossourbridges [E, 56k]

►After the war, Draco has to learn how to be a person again. Hopefully a better one this time.

2. No Good Deed Goes Unpunished by @rei382 [M, 4k]

►Harry just wanted to surprise Draco and dress up for him. He did not expect Draco's parents to show up at the most wrong moment and see him. He also didn't expect to go to a restaurant in an assless chaps.

3. the power of a good riff by @coffeedrgn87 [E, 6k]

►Harry discovers a new talent and becomes a different kind of famous. Draco cannot deal with it. Especially not when Pansy starts meddling.

4. When the Light Meets the Dark by lovelybluegirl [M, 3k]

►Prompt: Harry Potter is the CEO of Gryffin Empire but also a ruthless and cold-hearted mafia boss who wants nothing but power and money. [...] But all that changes when a certain little innocent blonde stumbles upon Harry Potter. And Harry discovers that he does need one more thing in his life-Draco Malfoy.

---

Fest/Exchange

1. (Un)Anticipated by Anonymous [E, 8k]

►Though he won't ever admit it [...] it takes Harry an embarrassingly long time to realise that something is wrong. It's not like he's trying to pull regularly. If he wants to get laid, he gets laid. He is, after all, Harry Potter. ★ H/D Cluefest 2022 | @hd-cluefest

[nlghtshade]

♡ march 2022 favorites

eternally grateful to: @drarryficrecs, @lostdrarryfics, @sweet-s0rr0w and their collaborative drarry sex scene rec list, and @thebooktopus and their mutuals march rec lists and everyone out there spreading the drarry love <3

fests to check out: @hd-cluefest , @call-me-daddy-fic-fest (and @hptransfest has started posting !! happy trans day of visibility !!)

this month was a busy one so i didn’t read as much as i would've liked but i still found a bunch of gems to share !! enjoy !! also happy birthday to our fave twins gred and forge !! more weasley love ♡

“i’m sorry” by @upthehillart

*pansmione

Calleth you (2022, Explicit, 17.3k) by @daaromoltor

The room floods with white light. Harry is on his feet so fast that the chair topples and clatters to the floor, his wand in his hand and a spell on his lips. “They’re outside,” a voice speaks from the luminescent mist, magic barely enough to carry the sound; it’s stripped to a featureless monotone, far away like an echo. “I can’t hold them off much longer. I need help, Potter." Harry stares as the mist dissolves, its dazzling brightness leaving floating spots of colour on his retinas. Eyes watering, wand still clenched in his hand, he says: “Fuck.”

golden trio by @mehroomiyat

Leaning on walls is an indecorous behaviour unless you’re trying to inconspicuously hold your tiny boyfriend’s hand at the sunset by @snarkyships-drarryside

witching hour by @softlystarstruck (2021, General, 738)

this fic was written just because of a little thread of an idea in my mind :) content: love confessions, bed sharing, accidental bond (no emotional/physical compulsion), coworkers, friends to lovers

sucre & thé by @mightier

Two wizards, hanging out, about to squish faces cause they're actually definitely gay, yeah! by @anisaanisa

kiss kiss fall in love: Chapter 3 (2022, Teen, 1.9k) by @softlystarstruck

i had fun with this one! ~1.9k, rated T just for language. eighth year best friends and roommates!! | thank you @lou-isfake for the help 💕 | from this prompt list

Two Months, Twelve Days, Nine Hours (658 words) by @nv-md

It had been two months, twelve days, and nine hours since Draco left—walked right out of their flat without a backwards glance. Not that Harry was counting.

animation by @rosalyfart

Sometime during the 8th year, that was added on for Hogwarts students, Harry and Draco become trapped together in what seems to be a dark storage closet. Of course it’s Harry’s doing, pushing Draco in, (who was minding his own business) in attempts to hide from Filch. The closet is much smaller than Harry thought it would be

Sirius and Harry by @sanjiseo

Stormy Weather by @rockingrobin69

For anon’s prompt, 800 words. TW for panic attack.

ficlet by @hogwartsfirebolt

comic by @filthylittlepureblood

This is very inspired by that third year moment that changed my life and AVPS, I regret nothing And yes Draco signed the drawing bc he canonically signed that drawing, he’s just so…. special.

Harry and Hedwig ❤️ by @ygreczed-hp

Eighth Year by @snarkyships-drarryside

I’m lying when I’m looking away (2022, Explicit, 6.7k) by InnerLilith

Sometimes it takes a Purim party and a flapper dress for Harry to figure out what he likes. (Spoiler: He likes Malfoy.) Or: Come for the hamantaschen, stay for the sex.

Serious (1.4k) by @rockingrobin69

1.4k of Auror partner shenanigans with all the pining. CW for injury (everyone’s all right in the end). 

darling by @justthingsfromsarah

for the @hdcandyheartsfest prompt — darling

drarry by @istehlurvz

some things open at the close (7/7) by @hp-rbiim

draco’s family by @lilbeanz

weasley sweater by @vulcains

is draco wearing one of harry’s many H sweaters, did mrs. weasley knit him his own D sweater. idk for cayce who is hungover

unicorn tapestry by @mojgon

♡ january ♡ february

also this isn't drarry or hp related but i watched Turning Red this month and that movie SPOKE TO MY SOUL i love it so much. i think that movie was written for me lollll i wish i could download it into my brain. i'm getting ready to rewatch it again this weekend and i'm so effing excited. if you haven't seen it go give it a watch !! and if you've already seen it go watch it again ahahah !! okay bye see you guys next month :)

[fand0mfancies]

There’s a strange love inside (it’s getting louder)

BlueSundayCake

(Word Count: 31,748)

Explicit

H/D Cluefest 2022, Red String of Fate, Professor(s)

No warnings apply

Summary: Professors Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy have worked together at Hogwarts for ten years, and in this time they've managed to become sort-of-not-quite friends. After all, it's been fifteen years since the war and everyone is a bit tired of old rivalries. When Draco goes missing and Headmistress McGonagall asks Harry to go into the Forbidden Forest to find him, Harry doesn't think much of it. Until he both finds more than what he'd bargained for, and not what he'd originally set out to find.

***

So soulmates is one of my favourite tropes and this fic does it in such a beautifully understated way. It’s so unbelievably subtle you don’t even realise for so long what it all even means and when you do it’s like ‘oh how did I not see that’.

The mystery of Draco’s disappearance almost feels like it’s not even the main point of the story. It’s like a telling of their lives since the end of school, all through Harry’s perspective as he comes to realise all the things he’d never noticed before until he’s also left going ‘oh how did I not see that’ (because you’re an oblivious idiot Potter!) and that leads him straight to where he’s supposed to be.

So if you love a good, subtly penned love story, all tangled up in an equally subtle mystery, you’ll love this like I did.

[kythwena]

I love it when you go full-on bitch, it fills me with so much joy, but really, Hermione, you are worse for wear. Be kind to yourself, you’ve also had a difficult day.

My Best Friend, the Serial Killer by trishjames @thusspoketrish Collection: H/D Cluefest 2022

[kythwena]

Those magical sutures aren’t a hundred percent fool-proof, and you are all fool, Potter. Don’t press your luck.

My Best Friend, the Serial Killer by trishjames @thusspoketrish Collection: H/D Cluefest 2022

[sitp-recs]

Some Cluefest 2022 recs…

I took some time to check H/D Cluefest this weekend and had a lovely time reading these. As usual these are personal picks based on my personal preferences, but I highly encourage everyone to check the full collection here. You can also check @ghaniblue’s wonderful reclist here. Don’t forget to leave kudos and comments before the reveals. Happy readings!

🧪 [Fic & Art] Search & Find at Narcissan Blooms (T, 634 words) by @the-starryknight and @gryffindorhearts

You should have known Auror Potter would be useless when you agreed to shadow him on this case. Yet, here you are, standing in Malfoy's stupid Apothecary and investigating a murder. It's up to you to solve the case, so you might as well start looking around... A Drarry I-Spy Investigation: can you spot all four clues? Feat: SECRET BOYFRIENDS, that’s all I have to say

🪟 surely some revelation (is at hand) by @opalesqueopioid (M, 12k)

In a dystopian society where peacekeeping dementors are employed to stamp out resistance by damaging souls of the dissidents, Draco strives to do what's right. Or: Harry is in a cult and Draco becomes the cult leader. Feat: cool dystopia, Unspeakable power couple, soul reapers (yes pls), spy Draco, domesticity, Amortentia for the angst!

🥩 Operation Dragon's Shenanigans by @nv-md (E, 14k)

Harry's in love with Draco, but it's complicated. Even more complicated than 'I'm in love with my ex-archnemesis and I get dizzy every time I see him smile'. No matter that Harry's an Auror, and always loved a good mystery, he's still having trouble figuring Draco out. And he's the only one who can see that Draco isn't a regular human. Feat: thirsty pining Harry, creature Draco, meddling friends, top notch humour

🔥 Heartlines by @sorrybutblog (T, 22k)

Just as Draco Malfoy's life seems to be getting back on track, the magic at Malfoy Manor is spinning out of control. Auror partners Harry Potter and Angelina Johnson are assigned to the case and quickly find that nothing about the situation is obvious. The flare ups are unpredictable at best, downright dangerous at worst, and why has a Hogwarts first year gone missing at the same time? Feat: reluctant bodyguard Harry, recluse Draco, strangers to lovers, pining Draco and a delightful amount of unexpected humour

💐 [Fic & Art] Memento Mori by @fantalf and @crazybutgood (M, 24k)

Seven is the number on my door. It’s the amount of scars I bear on my chest. It’s the time I wake up every morning. Seven is how old I was when father beat me for the first time, and seven years later I felt the force of a Cruciatus by the same hands. Feat: Unspeakable shenanigans gone wrong, memory loss, previous est relationship, gore, implied suicidal attempt, hardcore angst, hopeful ending

🐰 F*ck! by by @orange-peony (E, 28k)

Harry is trying to enjoy his busy life as a Healer (in spite of his dreadful lime green robes), when something mysterious happens. Why on earth is Auror Draco Malfoy suddenly appearing out of thin air in Harry's kitchen? And why is he always injured? Harry needs to investigate. And also get a new pair of robes, but one thing at a time. Feat: healer Harry, slow burn, low key angst, domesticity, comfort food, ultimate fluff

🦋 [Art] a living thing by @babooshkart (G)

The closest house is miles away, and the red clay earth eats sound. He had married Draco, had moved here in hopes of a perfect love, a fantasy romance, but something is terribly wrong with this place. Draco is nervous, and tells Harry with his eyes not to drink the tea that his mother serves. A Crimson Peak AU. Feat: fantasy AU, gorgeous outfits, perfect eerie aesthetics

[drarryspecificrecs]

2022.03 ~ Top 6 longest fics posted on AO3

1. The Strange Case of Draco Malfoy's Mysterious Illness by DarkWizard [E, 89k]

►Voldemort died, the war ended and come September, the 7th Year students return to Hogwarts to finish their NEWTs. Harry had never noticed how pretty Malfoy's eyes were before. Meanwhile, Draco is suffering from unexplained stomach pains.

2. Finely Drawn Lines by @the-sinking-ship [E, 61k]

►Draco doesn’t consider himself an artist (though the dozens of sketchbooks lining his shelves might suggest differently). Yet ever since Potter returned to Hogwarts, accepting a teaching position alongside Draco, his drawings have taken on a rather singular focus. [...] So long as Potter remains none the wiser, Draco will have no trouble controlling his crush. But when Potter comes to him with a dangerous proposition, Draco fears things are about to get so much more complicated.

3. and tomorrow, and the earth by crossourbridges [E, 56k]

►After the war, Draco has to learn how to be a person again. Hopefully a better one this time.

4. Once Upon a December by @moosepotter [T, 50k]

►Harry Potter grows up in hiding until he is six years old when his family tries to take one small trip. It's a decision that will cost them their lives, save for Harry, who is left alone in France, his magic shielding him and his memory slipping away of the life he had before. Until one day he decides to go searching for his roots with an unlikely companion with the only clue he has: London.

5. Vis-à-Vis-à-Vis by @vukovich [E, 50k]

►Harry's assignment was simple. Close out Draco Malfoy's missing persons case so he can be declared dead. But who's making withdrawals from Malfoy's vaults? How is a death omen-turned-Unspeakable involved? Is an organization known as the Moirai to blame? Harry brushes it off until he can't. [...]

6. Harry Potter's Chastity Adventure by Spidey_Fan_700 [E, 45k]

►Magic is awesome, but there are spells that Harry wished didn’t exist. Like the one Malfoy cast to stop his masturbation. In fact, the spell made it so he couldn’t even get hard unless Draco was there. What’s the poor boy to do?

—

※ Word count: 1k ~ 15k

※ Word count: 15k ~ 40k

Lay It All On Me by uni4m [?, 18k]

The Loved Ones by @diyamond [M, 24k]

The Matchmaker's Spell by @kbrick [E, 20k]

Rebel, Rebel by @makeitp1nk [E, 28k]

When I Kissed The Teacher by drarrywolfstarhp [T, 19k]

—

Ongoing Fest/Exchange

※ Fics would be listed elsewhere.

H/D Cluefest 2022 | @hd-cluefest

HP Call Me Daddy Fest | @call-me-daddy-fic-fest

[drarryspecificrecs]

HP/DRARRY Fic Fests 2022

★ Sources : potterfests & @hpfests || Banner © : @capipuff || as of 2023.01

—

JAN

x

FEB

H/D Candy Hearts Fest 2022 @hdcandyheartsfest : AO3

Kinkuary 2022 @kinkuary : AO3

HP Shipuary 2022 @hpshipuary : AO3

My Bloody Valentine 2022 @hpdarkarts : AO3

Dead Dove Valentine’s Day Fest @eatyourheartoutfest : AO3

MAR

H/D ClueFest 2022 @hd-cluefest : AO3

HP Call Me Daddy Fest @call-me-daddy-fic-fest : AO3

APR

Drarry Spin the Wheel Fest @drarry-spin-the-wheel-fest : AO3

HP Trans Fest 2022 @hptransfest : AO3

HP Triad!Fest 2021/22 @hptriadfest : AO3

MAY

Lights, Camera, Drarry Fest 2022 @lcdrarry: AO3

H/D Mpreg Fest 2022 @harrydracompreg : AO3

HP Flowers’ Spring Round @hp-flowers : AO3

Owlery Exchange 2022: To Days To Come @gameofdrarry : AO3

JUN

H/D FangFest 2022 @hd-fangfest : AO3

Quidditch Fest 2022 @quidditchfest : AO3

HP Pride Secret Santa 2022 @magicaltrans : AO3

JUL

H/D Wireless 2022 @hd-wireless : AO3

H/D Summer Vibes 2022 @gwbexchange : AO3

HP Make It Musical: Encore @hp-make-it-musical-fest : AO3

AUG

HP Bodice Ripper Fest @hp-bodiceripper : AO3

HP Soulmates Fest @hp-soulmates : AO3

Wheel of Drarry Mini-Exchange 2022 @drarrymicrofic : AO3

SEP

H/D Reverse Bang 2022 @harrydracobang : AO3

HP Cest Fest 2022 @hpcestfest : AO3

HP Crack!Fic Fest 2022 @hpcrackficfest : AO3

HP Drizzle Fest 2022 @hpdrizzle : AO3

HP Fuck the Faculty Fest 2022 @hpfacultyfest : AO3

Kill Your Darlings 2022 @hp-mcd-fest : AO3

OCT

H/D Food Fair 2022 @hd-fan-fair : AO3

Fanatical Fam's Harryween Writing Comp 2022 : AO3

NOV

H/D Sudsfest 2022 @hdsudsfest​ : AO3

Drarropoly 2022: Magical Artefact Smugglers @gameofdrarry : AO3

Tarot Fest 2022 : AO3

DEC

H/D Erised 2022 @hd-erised : AO3

H/D Owlpost 2022 @hdowlpost : AO3

25 Days of Draco and Harry 2022 @slythindor100 : AO3

HP Trans Comfort Fest 2022 @magicaltrans : AO3

HP Festival of Stars 2022 @hpfestofstars : AO3

Harry Potter Shenanigans 2022 Secret Santa : AO3

HFPC Holiday Bingo 2022 : AO3

Thrills 'N Chills 2022 : AO3

—

✔ previous year • next year ✔ other years

[softlystarstruck]

✩ softly reading march 21 - 27 ✩

in which i list every single drarry fic i’ve read this week in hopes that you, dear reader, find a fic you like too!

✩ - a fave | 🔥 - hot | 🌼 - gentle read

spotlight rec

✩ Two Trees by @eelwinks [E, 36k] 🔥🌼

In his Eighth year at Hogwarts, part of Draco Malfoy's probation is to see a Mind Healer once a week. Another part, unfortunately, is having to take Muggle Studies. It wouldn't be so bad, really, if it weren't for the mandatory outing—a 'field trip'—booked at a Muggle lakeside retreat for the better part of five days. Draco is determined to get it all over with as painlessly as possible. That is, until Pansy tells him—at the very last moment—that she's schemed to have Draco stay in the same room with Potter for the whole trip. Just the two of them... in one room.

longer reads

You always open (petal by petal) by birdsofshore [E, 65k] 🔥

Harry’s not the kind of person who pays for sex. He really isn’t. Until he is. [H/D Erised 2017]

✩ Lost N Found by @famoustruth [T, 10k] 🌼

The six times Draco writes love letters to Harry without either of them knowing and the one time they do.

short & sweet

✩ (Un)Anticipated by anon [E, 8.3k] 🔥

Though he won't ever admit it—not even years later, when Draco's giving Harry shit about it right before they go to sleep, the bedside light just dim enough to hide the worst of his blush—it takes Harry an embarrassingly long time to realise that something is wrong. [H/D Cluefest 2022]

✩ Draco Malfoy and the Broken Room by anon [T, 7.3k]

A drunk and morose Draco gets trapped in the Room of Hidden Things with Potter of all people. Now, he’s got to figure out how to make peace with the Golden Boy long enough to get out. [H/D Cluefest 2022]

✩ and they called it puppy love by @pineau-noir [T, 5.8k] 🌼

Five times Draco unsuccessfully tries to get his and Harry's Crups to mate and the one time they're successful. [H/D Career Fair]

The Picardy Third by @blue--dreaming with art by @ihopeyoubothstaysafefromharm [T, 4.8k]

After the war, Harry and Draco are both struggling. As events contrive to draw them together, can they help each other move forward? [H/D Erised 2021]

✩ Winning Losses by @shiftylinguini [T, 1.7k]

Draco wins against Potter at something, or at least he thinks he does. It actually really sucks.

✩ The Mirror Room by @lqtraintracks [E, 466 words] 🔥

Inside the room, this is who they are.

previous softly reading lists

[softlystarstruck]

✩ softly reading march 7 - 13 ✩

in which i list every single drarry fic i’ve read this week in hopes that you, dear reader, find a fic you like too!

✩ - a fave | 🔥 - hot | 🌼 - gentle read

spotlight rec

✩ Human by @ghaniblue [E, 27k] 🔥

Harry isn't dealing well with being bitten and turned into a werewolf. Draco isn't dealing well with Harry packing up and leaving like a thief in the night. Things come to a head in a forest cabin in the German Ore Mountains. OR: An annoying posh wanker is stuck in a forest cabin for a month with the most frustrating, taciturn prat on the planet. The prat is a werewolf who ran away from home. The wanker desperately wants to make Little Red Riding Hood jokes. They are in love. [Wheel of Drarry Mini-Exchange] Recced to me by @m0srael

why i rec this: this fic hooked me from the first paragraph and i devoured it in one sitting!! fran does such a good job of making the story tender without compromising on either draco or harry as a characters- theyre both stubborn and determined but they also arent afraid to be soft with each other when the time is right. also. hot hot hot werewolf smut 🔥🔥🔥 and the ending made my soft heart so happy :’)

longer reads

✩ What is this, fucking Jeopardy? by anon [E, 20k]

Draco is struck by a wayward curse of unknown origin and keeps trying to get Curse-Breaker Potter to help him. It’s rather frustrating that he seems to be so busy… and that Draco can only speak to him in questions. [H/D Cluefest 2022]

short & sweet

✩ The Last Bachelor’s Eve by @jackvbriefs [M, 6.3k]

Pansy picked up the package and gave it a shake. “Please tell me you got him something outrageous, like personalized bed sheets that say ‘The Next Mr. Malfoy.’” / Draco glared at her and welcomed the arrival of his drink. “A scarf, actually.” / “Let me guess: is it a lovely emerald green?” [H/D Mistletoe Exchange 2020]

✩ Picnic by @drarrily-we-row-along [E, 3.7k] 🌼🔥

On a mission when the power goes out and they aren't allowed to do magic, Harry and Draco have to find some way to keep warm. Love confessions and smut ensue.

art gallery

✩ a living thing by @babooshkart [G]

The closest house is miles away, and the red clay earth eats sound. He had married Draco, had moved here in hopes of a perfect love, a fantasy romance, but something is terribly wrong with this place. Draco is nervous, and tells Harry with his eyes not to drink the tea that his mother serves. A Crimson Peak AU. [H/D Cluefest 2022]

previous softly reading lists

[sitp-recs]

H/D Fests Recs

I just noticed that I never saved the links for my fest recs in one place, I haven’t done many but here they are. These are now linked on my pinned post, and I might add a belated list for Suds Fest 2021 later this week. Enjoy!

List of HP Fests

H/D Sex Fair 2020

H/D Wireless 2021

H/D Fan Fair 2021: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

H/D Big Bang 2021

H/D Suds Fest 2021

H/D Erised 2021

H/D Cluefest 2022

H/D Wireless 2022

H/D Erised 2022

Dronarry Fest 2023

HP Wedding Fest 2023

HD Mpreg Fest 2023

HD Wireless 2023

LCDrarry 2023

HD Career Fair 2023

HP Law of Attraction 2023

HP Rec Fest 2023

H/D Erised 2023

Dronarry Fest 2024

LCDrarry 2024