#and i love it when ron is like. really tender with harry?

[padfootastic]

So, ron and harry, do you ship it? Well I'm a freakin huge prongsfoot fan and new here on Tumblr but I'm also a huge fan of ron and harry and I've seen how ppl here don't like ron, so what's your opinion on Ronarry?

hello! another j/s fan yesss <3 you’ve great taste, my friend.

as for ronarry, well. i’m not opposed to it on principle. friends-to-lovers is one of my fav tropes and it hits all the right notes in theory. but, most of the time, i need some major changes to be made to ron’s character before i can stand it lol i’m not a huge fan of the dude post-poa and often think harry deserves better BUT at the same time, i’ve read some absolutely wonderful characterisation of him (esp post war fics) and i can def see it happening.

that being said, i think i’ve only really read one ron/harry fic that i can remember and it was them in like. their late 40s or something and really quite beautiful.

(now. poly!trio? yum. love it. a+. so fucking good across all ages and eras)

[sitp-recs]

12 fics I’ve enjoyed recently…

Last year I did a short-lived “weekly rereads” series to spread love for old favourites that kept me afloat when reading new things became a struggle. I was looking for ways to stay active and contribute to the fandom with minimal effort, and I found solace in revisiting fics that I hold dear in my heart. This year, spring brought the @dronarryfest to pull me back into reading mood. Fandom is starting to speak to me again after a very long time, and the euphoria hit me with inspiration to write this short rec post for my recent reads. I am joining the party a bit late but on the off chance these escaped your radar, here are some fics I’ve really enjoyed during my catch up moment in February/March, and a few I’m planning to dive into next. It’s so nice to be able to write comments and rec blurbs again! What have y’all been reading lately?

HP fics:

Wet Leather by @lqtraintracks (E, 492 words) - Harry/Sirius

I live for LQT’s rare pair drabbles especially when it’s for my beloved Sirry because nobody writes this ship like them. The A+ characterization always takes my breath away: so much tension laced with yearning, it feeds my horniest deepest Sirry cravings tripping between guilt and absolution. This short is full of heat, want and sweet indulgence, with the usual tenderness underneath driving me up the wall and making me soft and hot for these two. Also, “my drenched little pup” excuse sir I’m??? 🥵

Nightswimming by @sweet-s0rr0w (M, 5k) - established Drarry, Dron, implied Dronarry

One of my instant faves this year, what a masterclass in tension building! As always, I’m so impressed by sweets’ short form. The brilliant banter and relentless sexual tension put me at the edge of my seat praying for MOAR. The atmosphere is so captivating I could feel the temptation on my fingertips, and have I even mentioned Ron’s spot on voice?? Superb bromance dynamics, late night drive aesthetics, an impressive amount of characterization within 5k and a teasing ending full of promise, come and feast!

Borrowed Time by @the-starryknight (E, 7k) - Dron + Harry

Another delicious Dronarry treat, now showcasing established Dron, body swap, the sexiest UST you’ll see today and an incredibly satisfying payoff. Once again Starry delivers peak romance with their “hot & sweet” trademark mixing compelling dialogue, witty flirting and uncomplicated smut full of want but also trust, understanding and intimacy. Forget the maddening anticipation, the domestic slice-of-life tone made me swoon - the characters are so clearly fond and familiar with each other it’s only natural for them to come together like this.

Heart to Hearth by @jtimu (E, 7k) - Drarry

This fic is a breath of fresh air and I still remember how excited I felt reading it for the first time. I’ll never get tired of seeing Harry get utterly horny confused at an attractive and carefully guarded Draco being competent at his odd yet surprisingly fitting job. Repairman Draco is indeed mouthwateringly efficient with his long hair and coveralls, and their tentative and awkward dynamics are just excellent. Love the subtle humour, the bits of repair magic theory and the earnest slow burn, with a smooth progression towards deliciously indulgent smutty times. Amazing concept, perfectly executed.

Long Haul by @wolfpants (E, 8k) - Drarry

Wolf is killing it lately, loved their Dronarry but this fic stole my heart with the long haul love premise. The image of their encounter - Harry holding his passport between his teeth, Draco with Muggle headphones around his neck - stayed with me the whole night. Harry loves flying and connects with NYC for the same reasons I do, so this fic spoke to me in a very personal way. I love everything from the title and bold flirting to the scorching hot and intimate smut with smooth daddy Draco! Not too long ago I prompted Florence’s “End of Love” for Wireless - unknowingly, Wolf wrote the NYC fic I’ve dreamed about when I thought of it 💜

Permanent by @citrusses (M, 14k) - Drarry, Dron

I’ve always been drawn to time travel and Citrus set up a thrilling, mysterious mood that’s impossible to resist. I was deeply intrigued not only by the plot but also by the complexity of these characters - a belligerent Harry with daddy issues and a saviour complex (yes pls!), edgy and focused Hermione, perceptive and kind Ron charming his way inside our hearts, and a lonely Draco trying to make sense of the plot, handle his feelings and find his foot in the post-war world. I loved being inside his mind - such brilliant characterization - and seeing the golden trio through his eyes. This fic has a wistful, melancholy tone mirroring Draco’s longing for Harry that hit me right in the solar plexus. It is also a great Ron study, and I’ll admit that made me fall even harder for Dron. Finally, it is tender and devastating as all good things are. A brilliant read and an instant favorite.

Dick Chicken by @oknowkiss (E, 15k) - Harry/Draco/Ron

Believe me when I say this is the Seinfeld AU you didn’t know you needed because you don’t wanna miss out on this. Hands down one of the most entertaining fics I’ve read in a while, this is hysterical funny, witty and steamy. The perfect mix of crack-y and casually horny vibes with a quirky Draco, a lovable and relatable Harry, and a hot Ron who’s 100% there for the ride, this chaotic trio will pull you into an unhinged journey and you’re gonna thank them for that 🤣 superb Harry pov, a warm and playful atmosphere that feels intoxicating, and a glorious shower scene followed by a fake orgasm competition. You’re heard it right. Run don’t walk!

Knot Your Average Coworkers by @thecouchsofa (E, 22k) - Drarry

Office romance is my kryptonite and I couldn’t stop giggling as I made my way through this wolf!Draco treat. I was instantly smitten with the charming characters, the delightful silly knotting jokes 🌝 and the good old oblivious friends/coworkers to lovers dynamics that always gets me. Pining Harry wooing Draco through cooking is SO my jam, the perfect mix of sweet comfort & unbearable UST that fills me with joy and anticipation while also wanting to smash their heads together “kiss kiss fall in love” style. Yum!

Cargo Case by @sleepstxtic (E, 23k) - Drarry

This was such an exciting ride, I love the inherent yearning & intimacy of break up/make up stories and this case fic kept me engaged and rooting for Drarry (and Pansy/Parvati!) the whole time. It was wonderful to see them not being antagonistic after a break up for a change - there’s delicious ust, fabulous Draco & Pansy brOTP, not to mention their super cool job. I was as invested in the plot as I was in the romance, and I’ve had a really fun time following them around. Undercover boyfriends for the win!!!!

Truth to Materials by @toomuchplor, lately (E, 54k) - Drarry

Another fabulous plor fic as per, this artist!Draco story immediately won my heart with the hilarious opening scene and the perfect combo of Draco’s “brazen gay” voice and Harry’s “bi panic” mind. What a delight! Love the clever dialogue, the mood so chaotic horny but the humorous tone making me giggle my way through the delicious loo sex scene. Unique premise, great pacing, fantastic cast and charming characterization - this fic is so easy to devour it doesn’t feel like a 50k journey at all. The story is great fun, very engaging but also delivering multiple tender and heartkick-y moments. It checks all my boxes including our king Ron Weasley putting a banana into Draco’s sculptural arsehole 🤣 what else could I ask for?

Skybound by @xanthippe74 (T, 61k) - Drarry

As a longtime fan of Ghibli’s movies, I was over the moon to see one my own faves adapted to fit the HP universe. This is the Howl’s Moving Castle AU we deserve, a light, enchanting and fun read with a lovely smooth Draco and a lovely earnest Harry making such a great pair. I love how Xan played with the original material making adjustments here and there, and giving life to Timpsy, the apprentice elf with a whole subplot involving mistreatment of magical beings. Very sweet and creative read!

Other fandoms:

a man—with human flesh by spqr (E, 14k) - Paul/Duncan, Dune

I love that this author writes for all of my favorite ships, I feel so spoiled! This is (yet another) banger following the 2nd Dune movie and a fascinating dive into Paul’s fractured mind struggling between his long-standing affection for Duncan and the intrusive thoughts under BG’s influence. So intense, vivid and thought-provoking. I was hooked from beginning to end and deeply immersed in this universe. Love me a fic about emotional implications and complications while delivering excellent character studies, this is the shit I live for right here 🤌🏼

Next up on my to-read list:

Home series by @hoko-onchi-writes (E, 22k)

In which Draco grows up hiding and finds out he doesn't want to do that anymore. And he doesn't want his son to hide, either. (…). In which Harry grows up in darkness, falls in love, fucks up, learns some things, and falls in love again.

Passing Stranger by @lettersbyelise (E, 53k)

Five years after the war, Harry, listless and depressed, stumbles upon Draco Malfoy playing the violin in an underground bar in Muggle London. The catch? Draco lost his memories five years ago. Ignoring his friends’ advice, Harry befriends an unwitting Draco, overlooking the fact that their mutual attraction might not survive if Draco’s memories return.

The Star Splitter by @oflights (E, 219k)

On a routine time travel assignment to the past, Draco stumbles upon 7-year-old Harry Potter and witnesses his neglect and mistreatment by the Dursleys. In the moment, there is only one solution, even if it goes against all his training as a Time Agent: he has to bring Harry back to the future with him. In which Draco burns his life down for the sake of his former school rival.

[delumineight]

romione fic list

because it’s hard to find good ones

disclaimer, these are mostly all on ao3. this will be updated every now and then and open for suggestions !!! if you have any suggestions please reblog with them. this is an ongoing list that i will be adding to whenever i find something that i like enough to rec.

list below the cut, just so people who aren’t on my account or in the tags for this don’t have to see it.

rec list

the reasons by incalculablepower

— RATED T: background harry/ginny, past lavender/ron, a tad of inappropriate humor at the end, takes place at the end of sixth year or half-blood prince

SUMMARY: “As the school year comes to an end, it's time to reflect on the one that's passed and prepare for the next year. And with their two best friends otherwise occupied (that is, snogging all over the castle), that means a lot of quality time spent together...”

resistance of the mind by tuesday_piracy

— RATED G: background harry/ginny, current lavender/ron, pining hermione, black hermione, black lavender, takes place during christmastime sixth year or half-blood prince

SUMMARY: “Hogwarts is hosting a Winter Solstice Ball for their older students, and naturally, Ron and Lavender plan on attending together. However, as the night of the Ball arises, Ron is racked with familiar concerns over his attire, his looks, and his hair. So, naturally, he turns to Hermione, and she can't help but aid him. — Or: Hermione gives Ron a haircut. Absolutely nothing (something) happens.

anywhere with you by kieunlocked

— RATED G: takes place during deathly hallows during the horcrux hunt before ron leaves, discussing where they would rather be then in a damp tent in the middle of nowhere

“One-Shot of Ron and Hermione talking about places they’d rather be than the cold, miserable tent during the Horcrux Hunt. / “Though, to be honest I might rather be in the Potions dungeon right now than in this bloody cold tent any longer,” Hermione groaned, wrapping her arms around herself. / “Not the Potions dungeon, Hermione!” Ron said with mock disgust, slinging an arm around her easily, effortlessly. As if he’d done it a million times. And when Hermione thought about it, he really had been doing it quite a bit lately.”

don’t talk (put your head on my shoulder) by sarahxxxlovey

— RATED T: shell cottage, pre relationship, aftermath of torture, missing scene, takes place during deathly hallows

““I don’t know what I would’ve done if—” Ron said in an uncharacteristically tender voice, pulling away slightly to cover her cheeks with large hands, tears dripping down his nose. “I couldn’t— I thought I was going to lose my mind.” / “Me too,” she said, swallowing and nodding, looking up at him. “I didn’t think I could take it… I—” / Words failed her. She broke down into sobs again. / “Hermione,” he said, his voice cracking, kissing her wet cheek quickly before hugging her even tighter. “I’m just so glad you're okay.””

let the golden age begin by incalculablepower

— RATED T: missing scene, during lavender/ron, during apparation testing, maybe a tad and i mean tad bit of emotional cheating, as in people mistake them for boyfriend and girlfriend and neither of them make corrections, half-blood prince, sixth year

“A couple of awkward moments in a still-healing friendship. Half-Blood Prince missing moment.”

funny little frog in my throat by anonymous

RATED T — pining, specifically pining ron, fluff and humor, idiots in love, my personal all time favorite, they’re still magical but no war au

“Ron loves Hermione. It's an ugly business, he's very upset about it, but he loves her and that seems to be the axis on which his world turns.”

self recs

meet me in the woods

— RATED T: secret dating au, starts at the end of sixth year and runs until the shell cottage scene in deathly hallows, written for romione week 2023, oblivious harry, 9k words… oops

““We could just… not tell him.” / “Just keeping it a secret? Okay.” / Whatever Joanne wrote for Deathly Hallows was NOT real. This is (trust me).”

that damned cat

— RATED G: post-war, hermione’s eighth year, crookshanks fic, cuts to around 2009/2010 i think, cat dad ron, and just general dad ron, wine uncles drarry

“Ron hates that cat—but he loves Hermione more.”

[greenerteacups]

Fair warning: I don't think this is going to be a question, just a few post-latest chapter thoughts haphazardly stacked together under a trenchcoat.

Thank you for this chapter. It made my day to read something almost fluffy (I don't think anything in LH can be called purely fluff, and that's a good thing because fluff is best when it is padding for the plot, and that's what this chapter was).

LH Book 5 has been the beginning of payoff for the Dramione slow burn, and while that is immensely satisfying, it also means there are less milestones to look forward to. I don't know if this was an intentional decision, but I love how you started seeding in another slow burn that has kept us equally invested: the Black family drama.

I love reading anything that does the dysfunctional family dynamic well, and seeing Draco getting old enough to identify it clearly, have questions, testing his boundaries, fighting back against what he's been told to accept, has all been immensely satisfying as someone who has gone through this myself. Your depiction of the Black family dynamics has been /chef's kiss/. * spoiler for chapter 70 * when Draco witnesses his cousins casually throwing information his way, what I wanted was for one of the adults to see how much he needed that information, that connection, and give it to him. My god ❤️ You have written a lonely boy craving family so well.

Back to the Dramione of it all (and this might be a question), I love how Harry chose to approach the contained chaos waiting to unravel around him and just bluntly told Draco what he did. Question: do you think this is something Canon Harry would have done in this instance? Was there a choice to change anything in your characterisation of Harry (with respect to Canon) that resulted in this wonderful, blunt, more-mature-than-many-adults-who-can't-even-identify-their-needs version of Harry?

If not, what canon Harry actions/traits do you think would point to him acting this way?

Thank you! This is a beautiful and very kind trench coat, and I am luxuriating in it.

I will answer your question while continuing to luxuriate: I don't think canon Harry would ever confront his friends about an emotional problem, mostly because because he never does. Hermione and Ron, the two people he's most comfortable with in the world, are feuding for most of HBP, and while he does have a few "can't you guys just get along?" type-outbursts, he doesn't really sit down and ask "hey, what's going on with you? How can I help?" because canon!Harry is, as you might expect for a 15-year-old boy, better at ignoring his problems than solving them. (I also think there's an ingredient of conflict-avoidance in there from his upbringing with the Dursleys, but I'll be the first to admit that's mostly headcanon.)

My Harry is a bit softer — in part because that's just how I prefer my Harry, my favorite scenes with him are those where he's showing tenderness for things other people have neglected. This is the best of him, and this is the core of him, in my opinion. Canon Harry has this marvelous capacity for empathy, and when he chooses to use it, it's kind of astonishing how capable he is of resisting prejudice and caring for people. He's fiercely loyal in defending Hagrid, always. He makes a point of freeing Dobby, who's just spent a book trying to maim him. He refuses to let Sirius kill Pettigrew, even knowing that Pettigrew betrayed his parents ("My dad wouldn't want you to" — sweet boy, you mean you don't want them to, and you understand on some level that's the only thing you can say that will stop them.) He saves Gabrielle Delacour, because even if she would have been safe in the end, he's not leaving a little girl at the bottom of a fucking lake. He reads the Half-Blood Prince's handwriting — Snape's handwriting — and thinks: "I bet he's someone like me." On the basis of handwriting, he empathizes with this person! Harry is constantly trying to save people, and he doesn't ever really tell us why. And we'll never know why canon!Harry does that, consciously or subconsciously, but I have to imagine that every time Harry looks at someone in pain, he sees a lonely kid stuck under a staircase, and he thinks not fucking today.

[saintsenara]

I’ve been loving you talking about Romione moments! I was wondering what your fav overlooked moment from the earlier books was, you can name a bunch (seriously please spoil me).

+ a cute thing I noticed: I was flipping through a copy of GOF and never realized ever since Hermione tells Ron she’s going with someone and won’t say who, he asks CONSTANTLY. There’s this scene the day of the ball where they’re all having a snowball fight and then Hermione leaves to go get ready and Ron asks “what? You need three hours to get ready??” Hermione scoffs and he yells after her asking who she’s going with, and he gets so distracted one of the twins hits him in the head with a snowball 🤣

thank you very much for the ask, anon!

my favourite blink-and-you'll-miss-it romione moment in the earlier books is, without a doubt, the fact that hermione likes playing chess with ron, even though she's not very good at it:

The rest of the team hung back to talk to one another as usual at the end of practice, but Harry headed straight back to the Gryffindor common room, where he found Ron and Hermione playing chess. Chess was the only thing Hermione ever lost at, something Harry and Ron thought was very good for her.

this sounds quite minor in the grand scheme of things, i know.

but hermione is shown - throughout canon - to be someone who can really struggle with not being automatically good at things, and who has a tendency to be a sore loser as a result - especially in circumstances, as i'm sure is the case for many of us in our real lives, where she thinks her opponent isn't taking her seriously.

it says a lot about the respect that both she and ron have for each other that she feels comfortable coming second to him. and it also says a lot about the fact that ron - for all he's dismissed by the fandom as lazy and dimwitted, especially when authors want to pair hermione with someone else - has a genuine passion for chess which must come across in a way which is neither boring nor condescending.

indeed, that ron is extremely sincere is a trait which is often underappreciated about his character. and it's clear that this is something which hermione really values about him, as we see a few times in canon. their first kiss is the obvious example, but this part in deathly hallows is my fave:

Hermione was watching Ron fret over the fate of the Cattermoles, and there was such tenderness in her expression that Harry felt almost as if he had surprised her in the act of kissing him.

or, in other words, ron spends seven years gradually reeling in the love of his life by seeming to give a shit about things. legend behaviour.

[and he was scrambling in the run-up to the ball - and it always sends me - because he clearly realised just how badly he'd fucked it. hermione was right to shout at him. he could have had everything he'd wanted if he'd - guess what! - just been sincere about his feelings for her instead of putting on the "i'm too cool for eloise midgen" act. hence another favourite moment of mine - when ron deeps hermione's complaints in goblet of fire about not realising she's a girl (that is, not taking her desire to be understood as a sexual being seriously), gets his act together, and buys her perfume for christmas in order of the phoenix.]

[dronarryfest]

Well everyone, it's been a bumper final week for Dronarry fest! Here's your chance to catch up on everything you've missed before we post the masterlist. Thank you all to everyone who has been reading along - keep your comments and kudos coming!

[FIC] Snowdrift || E || 8k || by @wolfpants

London is drowning in snow, and Draco and Ron get more than they bargain for when they comfort Harry after - another - bad break up.

💭 Joining in the love for your established Dron here - oh my god. I loved seeing Draco through Ron's eyes, the way they were so in tune throughout all of this. You write atmosphere so well - I felt like I could see this unfolding. - dahlliances

💭 Absolutely brilliant, fantastic dynamic between the three of them, with poor old unlucky-in-love Harry (it wasn't serious 😭) and long-suffering Dron, loved the snippets about them getting together and the late night vibes, and the sex was just gorgeous, really soft and tender but scorching hot (also, let him show you what a real Weasley can do??? HELLO) <3 <3 - sweet_sorrow

[FIC] Stuck In The Middle With You || E || 18k || by @peachydreamxx

“You want a job here?” Ron finally asks, “Taking orders from us?” Malfoy nods shortly. “You want to be beneath Harry and me?” Amusement flashes across Malfoy’s face. “You could say that.” ~ The one where Draco Malfoy walks into Weasley's Wizard Wheezes in need of a job, and Ron, and his co-partner Harry, decide they can show Draco the perks of working there.

💭 HELP MEEEE I FEAR I WONT RECOVER. Gorgeously hot, the POV switches were so fluid and well-done, I loved getting to be in each of their heads. Absolutely incredible! - citrusses

💭 wow wow wow what a stunning take on their relationship. i love the harshness of it at first, and the way they had to work through all of their feelings via sex therapy to get to the love they were all too afraid to give. the sex scenes were SO well thought out, and really didn't hold back on the Dom/sub. i loved seeing draco in a truly subby role, and following ron's journey, and then harry's compassion… really well thought out on all accounts. thank you so much for sharing this with us!

[PODFIC] Silhouettes by sweet_sorrow || E || read by @cailynwrites

Draco's trying to fix the Burrow, Ron's trying to grieve, and Harry... well, just what is Harry actually doing, anyway? A tale of grief, gardening, and ghouls, bad memories, bad puns, and bad flirting, and nudity both accidental and very, very deliberate.

💭 This is one of my FAVORITE Dronarry fics from last year, I'm so glad you decided to record it! Your voice is magnificent and the quality is amazing. I love how you did the voices, too! Thanks so much for sharing it, I have all the feels now 🥰 - Schmem_14

💭 This is top tier Dronarry for me. Thank you so much for recording it and reading a beautiful story so beautifully. - wolfpants

[FIC] Borrowed Time || E || 8k || by @the-starryknight

Harry woke in someone else's bed, sleeping beside someone else's lover. Leaning in is the worst possible solution, right?

💭 oh starry, this is simply gorgeous. I love harry's sensitivity, and his tender feelings towards them, like a bruise, not wanting to hurt them and instead hurting himself in the process. romantic and stunning and hot (and funny, too, esp. the roleplay near the beginning). I don't think you've forgotten anything <3 - thehoneybeet

💭 Gosh, this was such a wonderful and sexy read. I love the way you characterised all three of them, the way they’re so gentle with each other, the way they’re all so clearly smitten. “ I don’t think,” Harry started, “I could survive that.” - this is such a great line!!! I could not put this down once I started this. It was SO good. Thank you for writing this for us ❤️ - sleepstxtic

[FIC] All This On Display Like That || M || 4k || by @elskanellis

Draco is good at: hosting; drinking; drinking games; duelling; controlling himself when Harry Potter is around; earning a chance to ask undeniably fit Ron Weasley on a date.

💭 This is sexy, funny, beautifully paced DELIGHT. Thank you for that. Can’t possibly say how much I enjoyed it in sort of an evil, chin in my hands sort of way. 😈 - shealynn88

💭 Good golly gosh! You can’t see but I’m gleefully kicking my feet with how delightful this was to read. I remembered your snippet of Draco’s declaiming and I’m so delighted to finally read it in situ! This was so fun, so sweet, so descriptive, so sharply narrated - an absolute delight AND a triumph. Thank you! - rainstormradish

[FIC] Bike Dream || E || 27k || by @dodgerkedavra

Draco’s going to learn to ride a bike if it’s the last thing he does.

💭 god i love your writing. your worlds are so FULL. so much love and struggle and support and HAPPINESS!! i laughed at so many different points in this fic but i also absolutely cried, and those are my favorite kind of fics. thank you so much for sharing this!!! - pocket-lin

💭 Your characterizations are incredible- as always, such a treat to read your writing. Thank you for sharing!

[wolfpants]

What are aspects about Drarry fics that are important to you? Like something you personally "need" to happen or an aspect of Harry and Draco personality that you consider vital, or something how Ron and Hermione react to the Drarry romance etc etc

Hi anon,

God, that's a good question. And a big one! But I'll try to keep it as brief/top level as I can, otherwise I might be here all day.

And a disclaimer: these are simply my preferences. I'm not saying these things are vital for Drarry to work, I'm saying they're what I, personally, prefer to read (and write).

Anyway, prepare for a fresh serving of word salad.

Gay Draco. This is a big one for me. I just can't see it any other way, so I find it really difficult to buy any other intepretation, so as a personal preference it does make reading less enjoyable for me when his (to me) blatant homosexuality isn't embraced/explored/acknowledged what have you. However! I do really love a good lavender marriage Drastoria. I explored that in Precious Metal.

As an extension of that, I find it hard to buy a Draco who is totally promiscuous and hedonistic post-war. It's not a trope I ignore though! I've seen it done really well (and haven't totally dodged writing it myself either!), but I do so love a repressed and/or sexually/romantically inexperienced Draco (and a hardworking Draco whose career post war is important to him) - it's a trope that makes me want to read something right away! I love it so much. Having said that, I really enjoy Draco having been in previous relationships with other men/boys before Drarry, too. Especially if it's like - a secret school relationship/hookup situation with another classmate who isn't Harry. Something for Harry to get in his head about and/or rile him up. Yum.

I love a slutty Harry. I think most people have probably guessed this.

Harry with a short temper. Draco with a petty mean streak.

A Draco who is real and will point out what's wrong with Harry but will often forget to address his own issues.

A Harry who is earnest and won't put up with Draco's cute I-will-be-passive-aggressive-with-you-until-you-do-what-I'm-thinking-because-I-expect-you-to-be-psychic attitude for too long.

A Draco who pushes Harry away. A Harry who pulls Draco closer.

A physically and magically competent Draco. A nerdy Draco.

Terrible communication, fics where one or both of them is gone on the other and they don't know how to express it, a really good and believable enemies to friends/allies that eventually develops into lovers, a fuckbuddies who fall in love story.

Harry and Draco who recognise each other's faults. Perhaps before they realise their own.

I love hurt/comfort and I'm a sucker for Harry doing the hurting and Draco doing the comforting... via tough love.

I can't read (or write) something that is purely nihilistic/whump. I need something underneath that to balance it out. Tenderness, vulnerability, and sensuality are absolutely key in my writing. It's important I include all three. So, by extension, I love when a fic I'm reading also incorporates these.

Humour! I need humour. But not humour for humour's sake: humour for a human touch, for levity, for getting out of a bad situation/conversation - such is life (and such is being British lmao). Love when a fic gets this balance right (@wrapped-up is a Wolfstar writer who nails this every time).

Oh god I haven't gotten to Ron and Hermione yet. Sorry! Maybe I can come back to that with a part 2 if anyone is interested in some more word salad.

Cheers!

W x

[drarryglobesficrecs]

Soulmates/Soulmarks - drarry fic recs pt. 2

Pt. 1

punch-drunk fingerprints by tamerofdarkstars(1k)

In a world where every touch of a soulmate leaves a temporary heat mark on bare skin, Draco Malfoy suddenly finds his life devolving into a massive cliche because the Boy Who Lived Twice has no idea how to respect the personal space bubble.

such a softer sin by therewascourfeyrac(15k)

After Draco meets Harry Potter, he's left with two tattoos, one on each wrist.

One for a soul mate, one for his enemy.

He's never known any one else who has the same name on both wrists.

Antlers and Ivy by violetclarity(19k)

The thing is, Draco has always known he wouldn’t be able to marry his soulmate. Finding out his soulmate is Harry Potter shouldn’t change anything.

Or: soulmarks, a masquerade ball, and gratuitous use of The Daily Prophet as a plot device.

What We've Been Missing by FlameHazel18(13k)

“I just don’t want a Soulmate,” Harry said, shrugging.

“Seriously?” Parvati asked, sounding incensed. “Doesn’t everyone want to meet their perfect match?”

“I’ve just had enough of feeling like I belong to someone else, and that my choices aren’t my own to make. I don’t want that anymore. I just want my life to be, you know… mine.”

Bloom for me by What_They_Call_Me(6k)

Hermione said nothing, just huffed slightly, she stormed into the classroom taking her seat in the front leaving Harry to trail behind. Harry knew that Hermione was only trying to help him, but he couldn’t deal with it.

Harry had lived his whole life as the Boy Who Lived, his whole life being special by circumstance of his parents death. He just wanted to be normal, to go to class and to keep his head down. No one ever seemed to understand that, Ron wanted Harry to use his fame for everything, and Hermione lived for mystery and adventure. But Harry just wished it would all end.

----

Harry has one wish for his seventh year, he just wants for it to be normal, but of course he doesn't get what he wants. Because wherever Harry goes flowers sprout in his wake. It doesn't really become a problem until he starts coughing up these flowers.

Why can't he have one normal year?

Changing Fate by jamesilver(9k)

Draco stared down at his soul mark for the millionth time, looking at those two words that changed his life, two words that told him how his soulmate would die:

A Martyr.

He remembered the words that Harry had said to him on the train, that he would kill the Dark Lord or "die trying," and knew there was more truth to that than Harry had intended.

Harry James Potter would die trying to defeat Voldemort. And, successful or not, that would leave him a martyr.

Burying his face in his hands, Draco began to sob.

Beacon by Amelior8or, Andithiel, gameofdrarrymod, Kristinabird(7k)

Every year around Valentine's day Professor Potter is flooded with questions from love struck young girls about soulmates and soulmate bond lore, and every year, he gets through it as quickly as he can so he can return to his lessons. This year, however, his life is turned upside down when he encounters a mysterious object that lands him in St. Mungos, under the care of Draco Malfoy.

Paint Sunlight on the Side of a House by punk_rock_yuppie(2k)

Draco had never been all that enthralled with his soulmark.

Flowers On My Wrist and Love In My Heart by Satan_the_One_and_Only(9k)

When Harry wakes up one morning with beautiful drawings on his arm, he comes to realize that his soulmate is quite the artist.

Even though he has no clue who his soulmate is and his soulmate seems to not want to meet him...

The Ripples They Cause by p1013(9k)

As Draco's mind tries to process his next move, the air ripples around his wrist, and he freezes.

It's a subtle thing, as gentle and forgettable as an errant breeze. But it's one he's never felt before, a breath against his pulse, a fleeting touch from a stranger, the weight of eyes on his skin. All of those soft, tender, almost-not-there sensations, centered on the series of three numbers scrawled across his skin.

Everyone is born with a date on their wrist, the date of their soulmate’s death.

On Draco Malfoy’s wrist, it's 02.05.1998

With You, Always by acupforslytherin(14k)

All his life, Harry repeatedly hears one same calming tune in his dreams. No one seems to recognize the mysterious song, until one day, Harry catches Malfoy humming it when he thinks he's alone.

Harmonised Consciousness by Talizora(24k)

This time it's a spell gone wrong in Charms that will bring our two favourite boys together. Expect Mind-Magic Classic HD Clichés & Soul Mates

---

"Potter's spell is still active, but I can shield my thoughts from him. I've been stirring him up all afternoon! It's hysterical!"

Blaise gasped, "It's still active! But it's… Dinner time!"

"Yes, so?"

"S-so? That spell is supposed to cancel itself after an hour! It's been, almost four hours!"

Draco shrugged, "I'm not worried. It's probably due to Potters magic. I'm sure it'll time-out eventually."

Blaise frowned, "Draco I don't think this is a good idea. Maybe you should end the spell?"

"No way! Blaise! I can hear everything! Before, in Runes, Potter was ranting about how he wanted to kill Weasel and Trelawney! He's all over the place! I had no idea he had such homicidal tendencies!" Draco giggled.

One of Blaise's eyebrows rose, "…Draco? Did you just giggle?"

"No I didn't."

"Yes you did."

Mine by Craftybadger1234(3k)

You are born with your soulmate's first words to you written in black on your palm. They fade to silver when you hear them.

Draco's have been silver for as long as he can remember.

Stormy Grey Eyes by Midori_Fuse(5k)

Everyone has grey eyes. Well, at least, they look that way, to everyone but themselves and their soulmates. That’s when Draco, blessed with silver grey eyes, knew he was in trouble. Not that his soulmate would notice.

[neonscandal]

Hello, again, Neon...How are you? Sorry I have not log in tumblr for almost 2 month. I'm surprised you got quite a lot of interesting asks when I read your blog....

So, first thing first, now I'm in the middle of watching "Fushigi Yuugi", thanks to you. Now, I'm not really interested in the romance but I really love the story and worldbuilding. It's isekai but so good....Thanks for your rec, Neon....🌻🤩

I always love sorting characters to Hogwarts Houses, and because you said you don't mind, can I ask for : Miaka/Tamahome (classic trope done great), Narumi/Nifuji (cute couple), and Vash/Wolfwood (I'm depress after reading their story), Reki/Langa (just read BL that remind me of them)?

Last question (sorry for this long ask, feel free if you don't want to answer all), because you love Hermione, do you ship Hermione/Ron or Hermione/Draco or other? Why?

Hope you have a wonderful day, Neon. And sorry for late in saying this : Happy Belated Birthday, wish you all the good things in life 💐😄

Hello old friend, welcome back 🌻💛 Never a need to apologize! I dare say you and your many questions may have emboldened others to reach out haha so I suppose I should say thank you for that. And for your kind words always! 🥺❤️

For it to be an older series, I'm glad to hear the worldbuilding holds up! I always loved Tamahome, Chichiri and Nuriko because they were so funny to me when I was younger. I feel like I should revisit the series with you!

Of COURSE I'm gonna address your whole ask in one go. Just remember, fuck TERFs!

ROMIONE vs DRAMIONE

As a smooth brained child, I didn't really ship Hermione until there was more obvious signaling that she and Ron were end game. The books were coming out when I was literally the age of the characters and kids are easily influenced and don't think critically. Not even going into comphet shipping at that age. I also loved redheads or maybe just the Weasleys? As an adult, Ron kinda sucked as a partner for Hermione. He took Hermione for granted, wasn't really supportive of things that meant a lot to her (SPEW, though clearly she changed his mind based on his later concern for the elves), was generally harsh with his words regarding her until the cruft of their adolescence was really broken away but, in my opinion, Hermione outclassed Ron and Harry in a lot of ways. In this pairing, it feels like Hermione made Ron better but Ron didn't reciprocate that improvement where Hermione was concerned. We can say he made her more approachable but that was him and Harry and just general socialization. It's been awhile since I've read the books so I may be selling my boy Ron short here. But also, as an adult, I see brilliant, amazing women end up with mediocre (but somewhat earnest) men all the time so I guess we were adequately prepared in our childhood.

As an adult, I'm not going to say I ship Dramione but I definitely see the appeal more. Especially where fandom fills in the gap because, contextually, we see them at odds and how Hermione is bold enough to challenge Draco. She (similar to Ron in the above), isn't the only reason the Draco undergoes his necessary character development we see through the story but her audacity, I think, humbles him in a way that's different from Harry. This dynamic is also more aligned with ships I tend to gravitate toward where they're a little antagonistic with a soft underbelly. I'm not saying this question justifies sharing this beautiful animation by @lyrablack1883 but… an excuse is an excuse. 👀

Onto the neon Sorting Hat, I guess!

Bear in mind, I'm largely of the mind that where the other houses are fixed, Gryffindor is open to anyone brave enough to ask/insist so, if you don't agree, that's cool, too. I give the primary i think they'd be in otherwise.

Miaka Yuki (Fushigi Yuugi) - Gryffindor with Hufflepuff underpinnings. It's important to note that the tenderness that Miaka exhibits is not without an edge. She may not be strong but she isn't powerless. She is kind and accepting of others and fair with a sense of purpose when chosen to be a priestess and rises to the occasion. She's still stubborn and, in fact, the flaws that more prominently make her a Gryffindor is what endears her to others (and sets her at odds with Tamahome because she's a brat, let's be serious). Still, with the whole world on its head, Miaka doesn't shy away from her duty and grows a lot along the way.

Tamahome (Fushigi Yuugi) - okay this is a bit of a toss up but only because it's been so long since I've seen Fushigi Yuugi that I'm torn between Ravenclaw and Slytherin, for obvious reasons. Tamahome is loyal to a cause and is subsequently very logical about the means to satisfy that end. Character wise, I just can't determine (or recall, rather), whether he could justify any means to that end. I'm leaning toward Ravenclaw with the loyalty to his family and then the Suzaku Warriors but I'm open to your interpretation as someone who may have seen it more recently.

Narumi Momose (Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku) - Ravenclaw. Intuitively, Narumi had a goal in mind and creatively deduced camouflage would be the best means to be successful socially and at work. It's a little dishonest but with earnest intentions. But Narumi is a Ravenclaw in the daffy way the Luna Lovegood is a Ravenclaw. That's not to suggest neither lack intelligence but their focus tends to be elsewhere. Whatever the special interest, they know it all, you know? Good luck trying to be a normie, Narumi.

Hirotaka Nifuji (Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku) - Bear in mind I have one season of Wotakoi under my belt. But the biggest indicator for my determination is that Hirotaka managed to hide his crush on Narumi for the full duration of the season. Cool, and nonchalant but the frenzy when his brother almost blew his cover? Slytherin. Mans had a goal all along and while Narumi seemed to fall in line with that out of convenience, it suited his purposes all along and we only see an aberration in his behavior when that was potentially jeopardized. Harmless as the circumstances were, it's giving Slytherin.

Vash the Stampede (Trigun) - Hufflepuff to a fault with sympathy for the devil. He will do what is right, damn the consequences and the risk of personal injury to himself. He was given a life and seeks to protect the lives of others at all cost. This sunshine boy isn't without shadow, driven to offset his brothers' misdeeds, for sure. But Rem, I think, is a stronger guide in how Vash lives his life. He doesn't do it for the glory, it's simply what must be done. He certainly doesn't go looking for trouble the way a Gryffindor might. It just finds him and he tries to resolve it as amicably as possible with a moral compass always pointing due North.

Nicholas D. Wolfwood (Trigun) - SLYTHERIN. Hat's barely rested upon his head and definitively we know that Nicky D will do whatever's needed to get his desired end. Not saying Vash won't make him question himself but, ultimately, Nicholas will do what Vash can't. His morality rests upon a razor's edge and he's learned that the only way to protect the people he love's are by doing the dirty work necessary. With Vash's influence, he may be tortured about it, though.

Reki Kyan (SK8 the Infinity) - Gryffindor with a strong Hufflepuff alignment (is this why Miya warms up to him?). Not only is he earnestly hardworking and kind, the glue that brings everyone together. But he's also brave, punching well above his weight class to stand up to Adam and protect Miya and, ultimately, to triumph over him because of his own brilliance and ingenuity.

Langa Hasegawa (SK8 the Infinity) - Gryffindor with a spice of Ravenclaw. ✨ Naturally skilled and adept skater (after some serious hard work as a boarder), I think Langa wouldn't have wound up pursuing skating at all had he not gotten swept up into it through the series of events as outlined. But, in the new environment, he's able to leverage his previous expertise critically and playfully and ascend to awe inspiring heights. Doesn't mean he's not still a bit of a himbo. Affectionately, Reki and Langa at their core are idiot 🤝 idiot and we love them for it.

Anon, a BL that reminds you of Reki and Langa!? Drop the rec, bestie! How could you not include? Do I need to make a rules page? Pay the troll toll, guys!

[epitomereally]

five faves from h/d erised: dec 1 - dec 14

Is there something in the water for Erised? How does everyone write the absolute best version of the fic that they set out to write? I’ve been honestly blown away by every fic that I’ve read so far & it was exceedingly difficult to narrow this rec list down. I am also so behind reading Erised this year, so this is only the first two weeks, despite posting being on week five — can’t wait to tackle the rest of the fest :)

ART: the art created for Erised is out of control this year. I don’t feel qualified to write any art recs but I have loved every single piece. You can’t go wrong with viewing/reading them all, honestly :)

The Hardest Hue to Hold by @cavendishbutterfly (17k, M):

Harry needs to get the hell out of England. So he sets up a teaching assistantship in America, hops on a plane, and heads off to a fresh start. Except there’s a familiar face among the university faculty, and it’s really not the familiar face that Harry wanted. Or at least, it’s not who Harry wanted at first.

You know when you read a fic & you immediately have to put down your phone or computer because you’re so overwhelmed? Like you have a hangover and you can’t read any more fic for a little bit? This fic did that to me. It’s so gorgeous and tender and cathartic as you watch Harry and Draco rediscover themselves and each other.

Historians by @oknowkiss (30k, E):

It’s the Dumbledore’s Army Reunion Holiday, and Harry’s found himself in hot water with his friends once again, after telling them he has a boyfriend he definitely does not have. In an attempt to fix things, he’s made it his colleague on Level Nine, Draco Malfoy’s problem too. Featuring a ski chalet in Switzerland, a pair of bunk beds, and an agreement that should’ve been simple, were it not for all the bloody feelings getting in the way.

Sorry for including two fake dating fics on this list (Fire Meet Gasoline is another incredible one, recced below), but this fic was such a delight! From the incredible use of switching POVs to build tension to Department of Mysteries absurdity (which I am a SLUT for) to Draco & Ron in the hot tub, I couldn’t put it down. This fic alternates between hilarious (Harry unable to log into his email for months) and deeply lonely (both of their work at Mysteries, the red sweater), but always remained light-hearted. It also was one of the hottest fics I’ve read for the fest this year. All the teasing of their ‘fake’ sexual dynamic throughout & then the way it actually played out 🥵

The Binding and the Loosing by @goblinmatriarch (35k, M):

Draco Malfoy is a reclusive academic who works on layered generational magic under the pseudonym Scholar Griseo. When he is contacted by a ‘James Black’ for help with a tricky situation with a magical House, he can’t help but notice the similarities between his potential client and Harry Potter.

Since he can’t exactly refuse to help the Saviour of the magical world, Draco girds his loins and visits Grimmauld Place, where he ends up involved in what he must presume is one of those classic Harry Potter misadventures. Bonding, sentient Houses, domesticity ahoy!

I loved this light-hearted take on accidental bonding & house magic! Despite dealing with some extremely sad material (how Harry has never had a real happy home & doesn’t know how a home is supposed to feel — just rip my heart out), this fic is so funny & generous. It’s also chock-full of incredible details: magical theory & sentient houses (the alarm clocks that sound throughout Grimmauld Place!), Harry as a magical toymaker, Draco as a reclusive academic, and pitch-perfect characterisation for all of their friends (Ginny orchestrating a race between Harry & Draco, Luna’s ability to bridge gaps between friends, & Pansy’s crush on Neville). Come for a gorgeous, growing understanding between Harry & Draco, stay for the hijinks and magical theory :)

Everything is Relative to You by @thehoneybeet (43k, E):

Potter was supposed to have lived. Draco is certain of this. That Potter would no longer walk the earth was tantamount to the sun moving west to east across the sky. If only he could have stopped this from happening, if he’d have known…

It comes to him as ideas often did: too late.

Or, Harry dreams of his past lives, and Draco is in every one.

I don’t even know how to write a rec of this fic; it left me absolutely speechless. It’s a deeply melancholic meditation on loneliness and longing — for a better life, to be a better person, for love. The prose is sparse and elegiac (like “Harry had traded fraught unhappiness for the kind of melancholy that settles in dusty corners, clinging to him and drifting everywhere he goes.”) There is so much to love about this fic: the deft handling of a non-linear story; the casual and thoughtful wandlore; the way this story lingers and then speeds by and somehow covers so much more ground than 43,000 words; and how my expectations about where the story was going were completely subverted. I’ll absolutely be returning to this fic to drink in the richness of the worlds & the love in all of them.

Fire Meet Gasoline by @lettersbyelise (E, 62k):

When Draco’s anger management issues land him in St Mungo’s, he thinks his Quidditch career is over. But Harry, A&E Healer and notorious workaholic, is faced with a similar predicament. To save their jobs, the two of them decide to fake a relationship. All they have to do is convince their friends and employers… and not fall in love in the process. Simple, right?

Another incredible subversion of a classic Drarry trope that I love — fake dating! This fic is super steamy; Draco & Harry’s chemistry rolls off the screen, both physically & emotionally. I love that neither Harry nor Draco start out as perfect, or even well-adjusted, but still suit each other so well & both push each other to be better. This fic will alternately make you laugh out loud, bang your head on the table (because they’re such idiots!), fan yourself, and cry. 

I actually haven’t seen any Erised rec lists cross my dash — if you have one, please let me know & I’ll link it (for my own reference and anyone else’s! I love seeing all the rec lists!). @gracerene is doing so much work reccing Erised fic & art in individual format on her tumblr though & I love all of her recs. @sitp-recs has a lovely list here & @thehoneybeet here.

Happy reading!

[whinlatter]

Hermione —> Overrated? Or underrated?

Do you think Harry or Ron would have been incapable of finding the Horcruxes without Hermione? Do you think their capabilities are overshadowed by Hermione since she’s so smart? When they became Aurors do you think they flopped or thrived without Hermione?

Anon are you trying to start a war in my ask box with this one…

You know, I think I would say Hermione is increasingly underrated in certain fandom spaces, after a long time being maaaybe idealised to the point where her character had all her flaws erased and the backlash was bound to happen. I love Hermione as a character, talents, flaws and all. I love thinking about her arc, her motivations and emotions and relationships that we don't glimpse through Harry's narration (her friendship with Ginny being a great example - I loved loved loved playing with it in Orchards). I just always enjoy exploring her inner life and her joy and fears and more intimate feelings when writing or reading fics (something this recent piece, something so tender (i can't explain) by @incalculablepower, does so so well). When I was much younger I used to be a bit ambivalent about Hermione as a character, for reasons that are almost cliche now: a reader who are themselves a bookish girl seeing too much of themselves in Hermione's worst moments and not enjoying the invitation to look inwards that those moments prompted, lol. (I remember little me reading the part where Ron mocks Hermione for jumping up and down in her chair while putting her hand up in class and being like sorry do other people... not like it when I do that in class... oh no oh no)

The boring answer is I don't think Harry or Ron would have been able capable of finding the Horcruxes without Hermione, but I also definitely don't think Hermione would have been able to find them on her own. Back in the day in fandom spaces, I think Harry and Ron were a bit caricatured as useless clowns bouncing off walls with Hermione being the only one with any sense. These days, at least in the fandom spaces I interact with, there've been a lot of big steps towards giving Harry and Ron their completely deserved credit for being smart, strategic and impressive throughout the Horcrux hunt (digression but I was doing a re-read of Malfoy Manor chapter the other day and sorry Harry and Ron double act in that scene is so impressive when they're dealing with Wormtail. Auror skills absolutely at work in that moment). I think Harry and Ron would do well in those early years as Aurors without Hermione, in part because they have learned from her over the years, but not solely because of it.

For me, it's so interesting to think about how a lot of Hermione's character growth and arc would happen after the war. Although I don't think the transition to Auror life would have been straightforward for Harry and Ron, I think Hermione would really struggle with going back to Hogwarts. It definitely makes sense that she would want to go back and try and get back on her pre-war track, but you know what they say: you can never really go home. For Hermione, going back to school would have been extremely dislocating and challenging, for so many reasons: the absence of Harry and Ron socially (and ofc being long-distance with Ron), but also the experience of going from being a war hero on-the-run back to the very controlled and arguably infantilising life of a boarding school, alongside peers who lived a very different war to her and went through Hogwarts under the Carrows. Hermione would have her own post-war traumas to deal with, but no longer be alongside the two people who shared hers most directly. Then there's also the context with her parents... I think the 1998/1999 academic year was a rough one for her, in ways that are so interesting to think about as a writer.

(Now if only someone... would write a fic... about the girls at Hogwarts in their seventh year... where we might explore these themes... that might begin with b and rhyme with feasts... maybe... might be nice...)

[duplicitywrites]

would love to hear about your non-tomarry faves!

THANK YOU FOR ASKING 💖 here is a collection of some i've read recently/throughout 2022, and then one at the end that i think everyone should read because it's so much fun

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i'll show you every version of yourself by latteloves | Cedric Diggory/Tom Riddle | Voldemort | WIP

i don't think dia made a post for this yet, so i'll take a moment to share some love 😌 a great take on the similarities between cedric tom during his time at hogwarts 💕

Harry Potter is dead, Dumbledore is dead, and Voldemort decides he deserves a holiday. Instead he gets captivated by the beautiful and tortured Head Boy, Cedric Diggory. - Or, Harry dies in the graveyard instead of Cedric.

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Turmoil by Metalomagnetic | Sirius Black/Severus Snape | WIP

a great look at the marauders era; the relationships between characters are vivid and thoughtful, and i enjoy how it slots in with canon

Two lost boys taking all the wrong turns.

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Blood by papermonkey | Delphi & Draco Malfoy, Delphi & Voldemort, Draco Malfoy & Voldemort | Complete

a really lovely take on draco's character and the impact of grief on his life in a vee-wins AU. can be read as pre-slash/relationship for draco/vee!

Outside, the world burns. But Draco isn’t watching.

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The Best by say_no_more | Harry Potter / Cedric Diggory | Complete

i think people who enjoy tomarrymort long fics with a 'softer' tom would like this fic. i enjoyed a lot of the concepts around 'dark' cedric!

Cedric demands only the best of himself, and for himself. The best marks in school, the best position on the quidditch team, and the best reputation. When it's time for him to begin dating, he won't settle for less than the best partner, as well.

-

Proximity by Phantomato | Aberforth Dumbledore/Tom Riddle | Voldemort | Complete

a sweet look at an unconventional pairing! rarely do we receive a glimpse into his youth that is treated with tenderness. tom deserves some soft love too 💕

Tom gets a weekend job washing dishes at the Hog’s Head, falls in lust with its proprietor, and learns the value of patience.

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Gaunt by Name, Gaunt by Nature by Blood_Stained_Fingers | mostly Tom-centric, also (one-sided) Merope Gaunt/Tom Riddle | Complete

a compelling story about who tom might have been if merope had lived to raise him. the world needs more AUs where tom's character is explored in new ways that aren't tethered to romance plots

It ends the way it was originally supposed to. Merope Gaunt dies due to her son. But this time he is seventeen years old, closer to eighteen than a mere twenty minutes old and still covered in afterbirth. -- If Merope lived would she be in love with her son?

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Seventh Horcrux by EmeraldAshes | canon ships but weirder | Complete

i have rec'd this fic before but i swear it is so good and so FUNNY. my sense of humour vibes with this story. i need to reread it soon

The presence of a foreign soul may have unexpected side effects on a growing child. I am Lord Volde…Harry Potter. I'm Harry Potter. In which Harry is insane, Hermione is a Dark Lady-in-training, Ginny is a minion, and Ron is confused.

[sitp-recs]

HP Rec Fest, Day 20

I almost didn’t get this post ready on time but here we are for another @hprecfest day and I love today’s prompt! Some fandoms like Drarry are strongly driven by shippy feels and it’s easy to overlook great Gen fics. I rarely read them, but the G and T fics I’ve enjoyed have left a big impression on me. After allowing myself to rec popular smutty series yesterday I’m very happy to share two underrated comfort fics!

Day 20) a fic rated G:

Drarry

Tidings of Comfort series by @blamebrampton (G, 10k)

When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life. Luckily for Draco Malfoy, London has places where the tired can rest and recover.

BB is my go-to when I’m looking for top quality Gen fics - she’s written a total of 10 for HP and I can attest they’re all fantastic reads, charming, clever, creative and entertaining like few stories are. it was hard to pick just one but I chose by a) number of comments and b) Christmassy vibes. Tidings of Comfort (how brilliant is that title alone?) is an all-time favorite advent read when it comes to redemption arc. it has such a wistful evocative vibe, gorgeous religious refs and Draco and Harry’s voices are wonderfully mature and full of personality. their tentative reunion and existential conversations provide so much insight into their lives and background it’s crazy to think this series is just under 10k. I’m in love with the quiet and exploratory slow burn, cautious but full of promise; it becomes even more serendipitous due to the Christmas magic surrounding their encounter. a wonderful pre-slash read, sensitive and poignant, and a perfect treat for this holiday season!

Rare pair

Aftermath by @static-abyss (Harry/Ron, G, 2.7k)

A soulmate, Ron knows, is someone chosen, not destined.

my kingdom for a Rarry soulmate AU 😭 this trope fits the ship so perfectly and as always Ana kills me softly with the loveliest short fic. something about Harry’s tender longing for Ron hits me just right; his pov is very insightful and there’s a brilliant scene in which he analyses Justin that stayed with me for a long time (“He thinks of Sirius and his father, of how being raised in money makes it easy to believe that everything will always be taken care of” - what a quote!). I love his camaraderie with Ron and the way both romantic and platonic love are explored here - this fic gets into my favourite thing about Rarry which is the fact that Ron is “the first the first person Harry loved who loved him back.” I feel like that’s such a powerful yet overlooked aspect of their friendship and I love seeing it acknowledge here. the fic has also a creative take on Harry’s soulmark changing after the war which was really interesting and perfect angst material! I urge all Rarry lovers to go check this gem and give it a little love ❤️

[likelightinglass]

10 Lines Tagging Game

Rules: share the first lines of ten of your most recent fanfics and tag ten people. If you have written less than ten, don’t be shy and share anyway!

Thank you for the tag @givereadersahug ! My last 10 fics first lines game, starting with the oldest and going up to most recent. I cheated because it's really first paragraphs, not first lines. It's so funny to me how wildly different some of these are from each other in tone and rating and everything.

1. And What Do We Think We Might See? (G, 771, Snape & Sinistra, platonic)

It’s a little past three in the morning, and Severus hasn’t slept in weeks.

Not properly anyway, not this year. He might be Headmaster of this school but he’s never felt quite so out of control. He appears to run a tight ship, of course, keeping the students as safe as possible while somehow giving the impression that he revels in his colleagues’ and pupils' estimation of him, that he is a traitor, monster, murderer. Playing both sides and trying to stay afloat as he buys the boy who lived more time to run Dumbledore’s errands.

2. Snake as a Second Language (G, 4k, Snarry but Ron Centric)

Ron had a secret.

A deep, dark secret he knew never to share, not with his Gryffindor parents or Gryffindor siblings, not with his Gryffindor best friends, and certainly not with anyone at school, surrounded by all those slimy Slytherins.

And that was that Ronald Bilius Weasley loved snakes.

3. Once Upon a Time (G, 1k, Snarry)

Harry's gaze swept over the now neat and tidy kitchen, appraising its cleanliness. This room was his domain ever since he and Severus had moved in together, and despite his haphazard approach to most chores, tidying up after meals was ingrained in him since his childhood at the Dursleys.

But all traces of "breakfast for dinner" were gone, leftover biscuits were packed away for tomorrow and he was ready to go upstairs and check on the kids. Ron and Hermione were away for the weekend and Teddy was delighted that Rose was over for an extended sleepover.

4. In which Severus is stressed and needs Daddy to treat him like a dumb little cumdump. We're both gay and obsessed with tender, intimate kink; moved, we wrote this fanfic (E, 18k, Snarry)

Severus awoke that morning with a crick in his back, and a grouchy demeanour. It was Saturday, which meant all of the demands of a weekday, minus the promise of structure, of a clear end to the work to be done.

5. Best Friends (G, 686, Lily & Severus)

Severus had finally found a nice, quiet place to properly sulk. It shouldn't have been nearly this difficult, he thought with a scowl, particularly in a castle that was so enormous. He was always surrounded by people now: dormmates, students, teachers. Even ghosts!

6. Obedience Lessons (E, 7k, Snarry)

Severus shifted in his seat, sweat beading on his forehead as he took another deep breath, attempting to steady himself. He was uncomfortably warm all over, his clothes seemed stifling and itchy and it was all he could do not to rend his robes in two and fling them away from his overheated body.

7. Waiting Games (E, 2k, Snarry)

Harry stared into the refrigerator, mulling over whether a ham sandwich or leftover beef lo mein sounded better for lunch. Severus hated it when he let all the cold out while deciding on his options, but Severus was not here at the moment to express his displeasure at the bad habit, so Harry took as long as he wanted.

8. More Than Dark (E, 28k/WiP, Snarry)

Many years later, when the cold and dark and misery of Azkaban had been replaced with warmth and light and love, Severus Snape would think back on the coldest night in his first year in prison, and would decide that was when he'd first started to break.

9. An auror, a professor, and a potioneer walk into a bar. (M, 4k, Severus/Harry/Tonks

An auror, a professor, and a potioneer are celebrating at a pub.

There's a practiced ease to the way the three of them are sitting at their regular table shoved into the corner of the Three Broomsticks. The Auror is laughing at her own joke, body tilted towards the other two and head close as if sharing a secret. The Professor has one leg twisted around the Potioneer's underneath the table and the other propped up against the Auror's chair. The Potioneer is trying hard not to smile at them both and he's not succeeding.

10. This Mirrored Perspective (E, 7k, Severus/Harry/Tonks but technically Solo Severus lol)

He's had the fantasy for a long time, almost since he discovered wanking. Once he realized that rubbing his hard cock felt so good, since that first surprise of orgasm washed over him with a gasp, that dizzying rush of endorphins, it had been there, in the back of his mind.

That nagging sense that he didn't deserve it.

Tagging @bleedcolor @perverse-idyll @danpuff-ao3 @liladiurne @perfackles @ripeteeth @anti-bright-places @mia-ugly and anyone else who wants to do it!

[moonflower-rose]

WIP Snip

Thanks for tagging me @thehoneybeet! This is too long, I got carried away as usual. I have so many WIPs but this one is a lot of fun and came about following a series of near-delerious messages between myself and @shiftylinguini who is the funniest person I know and who can always be counted on to egg me on. I won't say any more about the plot or title, but will leave you with this very girthy snippet and confirmation that, as usual, food is a main character.

All Harry wanted to do was roast a bloody chicken.

It was a bit embarrassing that he’d reached the ripe old age of thirty-two and still didn’t know how to cook much more than scrambled eggs. In fairness, anyone related to Molly Weasley struggled to cook themselves a single meal, such was the ferocity of her culinary-based love. Even though everybody had long since moved out (again, to be fair, there was almost always somebody moving back in for a little while for one reason or another), she still cooked as if she had seven children, a husband, various significant others, an underground resistance cell, an attic ghoul, and one adopted son to feed. 

She had in fact perfected a series of spells which would deliver Muggle Tupperware containers of freshly baked lasagne or tender roast beef or scotch eggs or parmesan flipping shortbread, right onto the kitchen worktops of said children, partners, political dissidents (not that there were many of those left) and adopted sons, regardless of global location or security wards.

You never had to ask to be fed by Molly Weasley. In fact, you could politely decline, you could protest, you could even have a screaming row about it (Harry could still remember the Howler where Ginny furiously told Molly she had to stop sending her various forms of potatoes when she was on a high protein, low carb diet for the Harpies), and the food simply would pop into existence on your sink or kitchen table as usual. Shacklebolt had initially sent several firm owls about it, but these days just seemed to have accepted it as a fact of life.

“I think she turns the Tupperware into a sort of Portkey,” Hermione had mused once, forking chunks of lemon and blueberry butter cake from a bowl that was a lurid, safety-vest-orange and had a pleated plastic lid. “And have you noticed that if you haven’t returned them they disappear on their own within seven days?”

“She’s a genius,” George had said. There were sliced bananas in custard in his olive green box. “Imagine how this could disrupt the take away food industry.”

“We’re not getting into takeaways,” Ron had warned his brother. “We’ve got enough to do with Wheezes as it is.”

Nobody really minded the food, not really, even Ginny, once she’d managed to convince her mother to send grilled chicken and steamed broccolini in a lemon vinaigrette instead of cream cakes and scalloped potatoes. Minister Shacklebolt’s wife was maybe still a hold out. But unlike Harry, most of them had learned to cook alongside Molly, and not just benefit from the output.

Ron had told him once that he would always cook breakfast and dinner for Hermione and the kids, and Molly’s food was strictly to bring to work for lunch (“Or second breakfast,” Harry’d teased, and Ron’d rolled his eyes and replied, “Yes, yes, second breakfast, dickhead.”). Percy made an incredibly delicate profiterole. Bill was amazing with a roast. Charlie had once made Harry poached eggs so delicious that Harry had almost changed his mind about soft-cooked egg yolks. Almost.

Ginny was about the only one who was as unskilled as Harry, if you didn’t count the ghoul. But Ginny was actually very good at sandwiches (when she was allowed to eat bread) and even she could roast a decent chicken should the need arise.

Being embarrassingly rich meant that Harry could do things that were probably not the norm for most people, like getting take away for breakfast every morning, or going out to dinner at lovely restaurants most nights of the week. Having loads of money felt a bit weird; reassuring, yes, but weird too because he hadn’t earned any of it personally. After the war, when Harry was getting all his shit together (like double checking that he really did own Grimmauld and there were no challenges to Sirius’s will floating around, and working out exactly what was in his vault, and having Fleur take a close look at his grandfather's investments which were still bringing in money decades later) he’d sat down with Hermione and Ron and all of his bank statements, and realised that he was absolutely sickeningly rich.

“You should get Nimbus to make you a solid gold broom,” Ron said immediately, and then reeled off a list of other ridiculous indulgences with frightening speed.

“Merlin, Ron, he’s not Prince Harry rich, he’s just very wealthy. And how would a solid gold broom work, anyway? It would be impossible to fly!”

“Feather-light charms, Hermione, use your imagination!”

Needless to say, present-day Ron was not in charge of the joint Granger-Weasley finances, and Harry had not got a solid gold anything (although the temptation to do something equally ridiculous was certainly in him if his eleven-year-old attempt at a gold cauldron was any indication). 

He did indulge in nice things pretty regularly though, like mattresses that felt like sleeping on clouds, and expensive linen sheets that got softer every time you washed them, and nice trainers that didn’t hurt his feet or look untidy, and very good underpants that he wouldn’t be ashamed to be seen in. He had an extremely fancy coffee machine and he’d even learned how to use it like a pro, and there was a standing offer for any and all of his friends to pop into his kitchen to use it whenever they felt like it. And yes, going out to breakfast. He may know how to scramble an egg in an emergency, but he much rather fancied a latte from Bertha (the coffee machine) standing in his kitchen in his posh pants in the early hours of the morning while he woke up, then a bit of yoga in the sitting room, and a casual walk to one of the local cafes for a proper pot of tea and something hot and filling that hadn’t been burned a bit or gone rubbery, or that needed a lot of salt and maybe some brown sauce to make edible.

Lunch, of course, was almost always a Molly Weasley Tupperware Creation, and he had no complaints about it. And dinner, well, he had lots of friends (a fact he felt very lucky for) and he made it a habit to coax at least one of them out to a meal nearly every night (his shout), and if nobody was free he would take himself out anyway and have a nice pub meal at the counter, chatting to the barkeep. Or an Italian at the tiny little shop up the road, or a Chinese at the other little shop up the road, or an Indian at…well. You can imagine.

Anyway, Harry couldn’t really cook, was the thing, and recently he’d become a bit obsessed with hosting his family for a Sunday night roast chicken dinner.

“I don’t get why you’re so fixated on this, mate.” Ron and Hermione had both been persuaded out for a meal, and they were trying a new pub which was going extremely well, if the cheesy garlic cob loaf and crunchy hot chips were anything to go by. 

Hermione’d taken a sensible portion, considering they had mains coming and all three of them were partial to a dessert. Harry and Ron were stabbing forks into the giant chip bowl like it was a competition for who could eat the most before doing themselves an injury. Harry had already had two minor incidents, one for trying to swallow a chip before it was properly chewed, and the sharp, crispy ends had scraped down his gullet like potato-flavoured rocks. The other was essentially the same issue, except he’d choked down a piping hot chip as soon as the bowl had appeared steaming on their table and had felt the burning discomfort all the way down his pipe to his stomach. Hermione had muttered something about it surely being unnecessary to need a healing potion after every single meal, but she also didn’t stop them so she mustn't have been too worried.

“Ron, you don’t understand what it’s like. It feels like I’ve missed a crucial step to adulthood. I can’t keep feeding Ted half-burnt English muffins with Marmite on, and inconsistent scramble. I can’t even get bacon right—you can cook a full English to perfection!”

Ron looked a little bit smug. “I don’t want to brag, but I did a beef wellington the other night and made the pastry from scratch and everything. And my berry crumble, ‘Mione, tell him about that.”

She leaned forward, uncharacteristically earnest about food. “It was like sex in my mouth Harry, I’m not exaggerating.”

Harry grimaced. “Oh, god, don’t say things like ‘sex in your mouth’.”

[bisexualbumblebee-writes]

The Werewolf and the Angel Chapter 4- Remus Lupin x OC

Remus Lupin x Violetta Cook

Description: Sirius Black breaks into Hogwarts, and Remus and Violetta are paired to secure the first and second floors.

Word Count: 2k

“I really do understand, you know,” Remus suddenly muttered, looking at Violetta. The two of them had been in his classroom for several hours now. During that time they talked in depth about everything that happened from the moment they found out about James and Lily’s deaths until where they were now at that very moment. Everything that they both went through during that time. 

Violetta’s brows furrowed in confusion. Understand what? The sight brought a smile to the man’s face, almost as if he knew what was going through her head. 

“I understand why you left,” he elaborated softly. “You did what you thought was best for the both of us, and I don’t blame you.” The woman’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief as he spoke. It only took that look for him to nod, confirming that he was telling the truth. 

“It hurt me so much to know that I left when we were both grieving,” she admitted quietly. “I felt so awful for so long, even though I knew it was doing both of us good. It honestly  makes me feel a lot better to know that.” The two shared a tender smile after that, then Remus’ gaze fell to his desk. A shy sort of look appeared on his face, and Violetta had to refrain from cooing at him like she would when they were still teens. 

“Vi, a few weeks ago when I asked about your love life…” he trailed off slowly, but the woman’s focus shifted when she heard a commotion outside. Her brows furrowed in both concern and confusion as multiple footsteps ran by the door. Remus also seemed to hear it because he never continued his sentence.

 The duo shared a concerned look then stood in unison and headed for the door to see what was going on. They followed the frantic students until they ended up at the seventh floor landing, where a large crowd of students stood. 

“No one is to enter this dormitory until it has been fully searched,” Violetta heard Percy Weasley call above the chatter. She then noticed Harry and his friends along with Ginny Weasley standing with each other. The youngest Weasley’s face was ashened. 

“Ginny,” she called worriedly, walking over to them. “What’s going on?” 

“The Fat Lady...she's gone,” the redhead responded in shock. 

“Probably stuffing her face with the apples in that still life on the second floor again,” Ron grumbled, but his sister merely shook her head. 

“No. You don't understand-” she was cut off by Hermione gasping and grabbing Harry’s arm. All of them followed her gaze, then Violetta gasped when she realized The Fat Lady's portrait had been slashed viciously. Large strips of canvas hanging from the frame. The woman’s gaze met Remus’ and they began pushing through the students until they ended up beside Professor Dumbledore. 

“Mr. Filch. Round up the ghosts,” the headmaster instructed. “Tell them to search every painting in the castle for the Fat Lady.” 

“There'll be no need for ghosts, Professor…” the janitor trailed off, making the trio of adults look at him confusedly. He wasn’t looking back at them, however, but instead high up near the ceiling. In one of the portraits was none other than the Fat Lady, who was cowering behind a bench, trembling. In an instant all the students dashed towards the landing, where the portrait hung. Once again Dumbledore, Remus and Violetta pushed through them until they were in front of the Fat Lady. The portraits surrounding hers were whispering fearfully to each other, but the headmaster paid no attention to them.

“Dear lady, who did this to you?” He asked kindly.

“Eyes like the devil he's got,” the Fat Lady responded, looking like she was in some sort of trance. “And a soul as dark as his name. It was him, Headmaster. The one they talk about, he's here. Somewhere in the castle. Sirius Black!” 

Her answer was met with a worried and scared reaction from the students that surrounded them. Violetta, however, could barely focus on them. Sirius Black was here. He was in the castle, and she knew exactly who he was looking for. A chill shot up her spine at the very thought. She turned around to look for Harry out of instinct, and she instantly noticed the worried look on his face. 

“Secure the castle, Mr. Filch. Professor Lupin, Professor Cook, you two are to search the first and second floor corridors, but go together. The rest of you...to the Great Hall.” Violetta hadn’t been paying attention until she heard her name, and she nodded silently. As the duo began making their way through the students Violetta was stopped by a hand reaching out and grasping her wrist. 

“Aunt Vi, what’s going on?” Harry asked. And for the first time in her life, Violetta didn’t have an answer for him. 

“I…” she trailed off then licked her lips nervously. “I know as much as you do right now. I promise I’ll let you know when I find something out. For now, you need to go to the Great Hall for further instruction. Go on.” She ushered him downstairs, and after hesitating for a second, he did as she said, Hermione and Ron following closely behind. 

Once they were out of her sight she continued down to the second floor with Remus behind her. As they traversed the corridor, looking through every room they passed, Violetta faintly heard the locks on the front door being put into place and the metal spikes rising in front of the windows. 

For the most part she was in a sort of trance-like state, though, as she tried to think of what this meant for Harry. His life was in much more peril now that Sirius was actually inside Hogwarts. The very thought made her feel sick. Just faintly she could feel a faint pressure on her hand. When she looked down she realized Remus had taken her hand in his and was now periodically squeezing it to bring her back to reality. 

“Do you want to talk about it?” He asked quietly. 

“What’s there to talk about?” She asked with a shrug, still not looking at him. “The bastard’s escaped and now he’s trying to go after my godson. He managed to escape the supposedly most inescapable prison undetected and now he’s roaming around the one place that students are supposed to feel safe. And still no one knows where the hell he is. Those stupid Dementors are bloody useless if they’re just gonna keep letting Sirius get past them!” 

By the time she finished, she was full on yelling, and she was glad that everyone had vacated to the Great Hall. She just couldn’t help it, though. She was distraught, it was as simple as that. She was distraught and she didn’t know what to do or how to help Harry. 

“Hey,” Remus called soothingly, forcing both of them to stop as he faced her. “It will be okay. Harry’s got you and I to protect him, he’ll be perfectly safe.” The woman stared into his eyes for a moment, finding that he truly believed what he was saying. So she nodded, and they continued their walk. 

“I hope so,” she muttered under her breath. If the man heard her, he didn’t say anything about it. 

It was only at that point that she realized how tired he looked. He had dark bags under his eyes and his eyes held a look of mild irritation in them. It wasn’t directed at her, but it was more of a general sort of look. Violetta recognized it immediately. Her gaze moved to the window, where she studied the moon for a moment. It was a full moon. Her eyes widened and she quickly looked back at him with worry. 

“Don’t worry, Madame Pomfrey has stocked up on my potion,” he reassured her, seemingly already knowing what she was thinking. A sigh of relief left the woman’s lips as she nodded. 

She only vaguely remembered him taking the potion a few years after they graduated Hogwarts, when Lily learned how to make it for them. He had to take it once every day for the entirety of the week leading up to the full moon. It had a rather nasty taste that Remus always complained about. 

“Perhaps you should head to the shack. I doubt Dumbledore will need you after this,” she suggested gently. Remus looked hesitant to do so, so she continued. 

“Dumbledore will be in the Great Hall with him,” she reassured him. “With him in there, I highly doubt he’d even try anything tonight.” That was enough to get him to nod. 

“Very well,” he finally responded. Violetta noticed him open his mouth to say something, but then he closed it and looked forward again. 

The rest of their trek through the halls went by without a hitch. Once they got back to the main floor Violetta faced him. 

“Will you be okay by yourself?” She asked softly. The man offered her a small smile while he nodded. 

“I’ve gone the last ten years without anyone’s help. I’ll be fine.” The woman was hesitant, but she nodded anyway and wished him goodnight then headed for the Great Hall. By that point all the students were in bedrolls and asleep, so she made sure to be quiet as she stepped inside and closed the door behind her. 

“Professor Cook, any sign of him?” She heard Dumbledore ask from behind her, making her turn around. Professor Snape stood beside the headmaster, arms behind his back and a disdained sneer on his face. 

“No sir, nothing on either floor,” she answered dutifully. “Professor Lupin has retired to his chambers for the night.” The two of them shared a knowing look and then they plus Severus began walking through the rows of sleeping students. 

“I've done the dungeons, Headmaster. No sign of Black,” Severus added. “Nor anywhere else in the castle.” Dumbledore nodded. 

“I didn't really expect him to linger.” 

“Remarkable feat, don't you think? To enter Hogwarts castle on one's own, completely undetected…” Snape trailed off. While Violetta knew what he was trying to say, Dumbledore merely gazed at the students, refusing to take the bait. So Severus continued. 

You may recall, prior to the start of term, I did express my concerns when you appointed Professor-”

“If there is something you are trying to say, Severus, then I suggest you say it,” Violetta snapped, effectively interrupting him. Her (still quiet) exclamation forced all three of them to stop and face each other. 

“Perhaps there is something you would like to say, Professor Cook,” Snape retorted. The woman shot him a small glare, incensed at the accusation, but had no time to say anything before the headmaster laid a hand on her shoulder. 

“I do not believe a single professor inside this castle would have helped Sirius Black enter it, Severus,” he muttered, much calmer than her. Snape's eyes glitter darkly, but Dumbledore didn’t notice as he looked over the students once again. 

“No...I feel quite confident the castle is safe. And I'm more than willing to let the students return to their Houses. But tomorrow. For now, let them sleep…” he trailed off quietly, eyes finding Harry, who looked to be asleep. “It's astonishing what the body can endure when the mind allows itself to rest.”

While he and Severus walked away, Violetta stayed rooted in her place. Her eyes remained on her still sleeping godson as a small smile formed on her face. Except, he wasn’t actually asleep. When Harry thought the coast was clear his eyes opened just enough to see around him, meeting Violetta’s a moment later. Immediately his eyes snapped shut, and it was almost comical enough to make the woman laugh if she hadn’t stopped herself. 

With a quiet grace only a Veela could possess, she walked over to him. Crouching down, she moved the blanket provided for him up to his shoulders. She patted his shoulder gently then leaned closer to whisper to him. 

“Get some sleep. You’re safe here tonight.” Though the boy’s eyes remained closed she noticed him subtly nod in the darkness. A small smile formed on her lips and she leaned down and pressed a kiss to his forehead. And, thankfully, nothing else happened that night.