Here We Be - My Writing Corner

Welcome to my corner of the web!

[herewebeeeeee]

H/D Wireless 2021 Fic Claim

The first time Draco delivered a package to Harry Potter was not the first time Draco had tried.

The plain package arrived in Draco’s deliveries box on a Tuesday. It might've been January or April or August—the sun and smog of Los Angeles left the months a blurred stream of samey grey—but it was definitely a Tuesday that the weighty thing arrived bearing Potter's name and a crimson Ministry seal. Expedited delivery. Highly confidential. The protections swarmed thick over the paper, and Draco circled from a distance at first. Surely they would recognize him and swiftly strike him dead.

And yet.

I participated in @hd-wireless​ for the first time this year, and the talent of the participants has completely blown me away! Thank you so much to the incredible mods for all of your hard work and support, it was such a blast, and you managed it so smoothly (and patiently)!! 

I was very excited to write a gift for @sunnyeclipses inspired by Metric's "Black Sheep," but was very nervous about submitting this piece. It was originally a fairly light-hearted romp, but then I went on a road trip that passed along Death Valley--abandoned, dilapidated homes dotted these incredibly desolate landscapes, and I just could not stop thinking about them. So the story went an entirely new direction after that (though courier!Draco on skates remained).

If you’ve already read this, thank you for the time you took to leave a comment or a kudos (or a rec, @the-starryknight you are an incredible angel with the time you take for such thoughtful rec posts!)--each one absolutely made my day and the days after, because I definitely re-read them. If you have not read it, you can read it here! ~5,600 words, Rated M.

[sitp-recs]

15 20 fics where Draco takes care of Harry

Happy Weekend folks! The last reclist for this self-indulgent HBD Harry celebration week brings the trope we all love and deserve: Harry being taken care of! Let 👏🏻 that 👏🏻 boy 👏🏻 be happy! I’m really soft for this trope because it delivers delicious character development and emotional payoff. Harry deserves all the nice things and I love seeing Draco willing to provide it, whether in the form of physical comfort, protection, shelter, medical care or just good old diq. I wanted to follow the previous lists format but ended up with 20 fics which means I left a bunch out (my first draft had around 30 🤡). As usual I tried to include both classics and hidden gems, and especially some that aren’t in the other lists. Enjoy!

Ceremonials by @jackvbriefs (NR, 4k)

“What are you doing here?” Harry said. This Malfoy blinked up at him, then lifted the bottle of tequila. “I’m teaching you how to make a drink.”

Is This Love? By @phdmama (E, 4k)

Draco wouldn’t call himself a tender man. He fights the forces of evil for a living, trying his best to pay penance for the evil he’s done. He’s fought and killed in the name of duty, and when he’s not on duty, he tends either to play hard or retreat alone. He doesn’t lean on anyone, and he knows he’s not the first person anyone goes to when they need care. Comfort. That all changes tonight.

It Never Occurred to Me That I Would Fall in Love With a Frenchman by lamerezouille (T, 6k)

Harry kisses Draco in a public place. All hell breaks loose.

Unseen by astolat (M, 11k)

When he wasn’t wearing it, he got jumpy, always waiting for someone to come at him wanting something—and now they did it even more urgently, if they ever saw him, because most of the time, nobody did.

Nice Things by aideomai (M, 22k)

The first thing that happened was Theodore Nott came back from France.

Lusimeles by spqr (E, 23k)

“You’re not special, Potter,” Kingsley informs him, not looking up from his work. “But I’ve already done Occlumency training!” Harry splutters, indignant. “And it’s Malfoy.”

just tell me when it’s alright by M0stlyVoid (E, 23k)

Harry’s been fighting tooth and nail for any bit of normalcy he can get his hands on. He’s sick of feeling like something’s wrong with him, tired of feeling different. He thinks he’s finally gotten to the root of it, and has settled into a routine that makes him happy. Naturally, that’s when Draco Malfoy walks back into his life and upends it once again. Has Harry bitten off more than he can chew with his former rival?

The Green Vial by @eidheann (E, 31k)

After months of seeing Harry Potter walk into his Apothecary disappointed and hopeless, Draco offers to carry the baby that Harry can't. Now he's just got to hide the fact that he's been half in love with Harry for years.

Expecto Patronum by @writcraft (E, 35k)

Harry Potter is the most sought after celebrity in wizarding Britain. His every movement is scrutinised, his relationships questioned and his photographs plastered over every paper. Harry's used to everyone thinking he’s a hero and has had plenty of time to learn how to keep his biggest secrets hidden from the press. As Draco Malfoy negotiates his feelings for the wizarding world's brightest star, he becomes increasingly attached to Harry and unravels the secrets he keeps hidden from the rest of the world.

(Un)wanted by @aibidil (E, 36k)

Ginny's pregnant, then she's not and Harry's single. Harry, again with no family, doesn't know what to do with this turn of events, or how to find a new life—post-war, post-Ginny, post-abortion—in which he belongs. He doesn't expect that life to include dancing to the Backstreet Boys with Hermione and Draco Malfoy. A story of finding belonging in the unexpected.

Breathe In (and Feel No Hurt) by Constance1 (T, 38k)

A tale of love, loss, and of finding hope again. Or the story of how Draco turned into a house-cat in order to secretly bother a depressed Harry Potter until he was no longer feeling sorry for himself.

Chocolate and Pastry by agentmoppet, anemonen (E, 50k)

When Pansy bets Draco that there is no chance he and Harry could carry out a genuine romantic relationship, he and Harry form a plan. But as their fake relationship progresses, Draco sees a side of Harry he never expected. Harry is struggling with something, pushing it far down inside him where he doesn't have to acknowledge its existence. Draco starts to worry, and then he starts to care, and then... horribly... he starts to fall in love.

Sweeten to Taste by @saintgarbanzo and @babooshkart (E, 51k)

It starts with Draco's buckwheat crepes with honeyed oranges. Or maybe it starts with his porridge with toasted walnuts and homemade apple butter. Or perhaps it starts with the cinnamon buns Draco made from scratch with mascarpone icing. Harry just knows he's hungry for more.

Meet Me at Midnight by @the-starryknight (T, 57k)

Harry was beginning to wonder if he’d ever make anything again when Malfoy stormed through the door of Harry’s furniture shop. Now Harry’s got an impossible Ministry commission to finish, and even less energy than ever to deal with his elusive muse. That is, until he stumbles upon the surreal and beautiful world of a mysterious fae creature…

I Am Not Who I Became by mab_di (E, 93k)

Draco left England after the trials and has travelled the world meeting wizards and Muggles from different cultures and with vastly different relationships to magic, each other, and the natural world. Now he's a fisherman in Finland on commercial vessels. Harry has been struggling since the war and has become a recluse while trying to write his autobiography.

A Thousand Beautiful Things by geoviki (M, 100k)

Draco Malfoy struggles with changed fortunes, shifted alliances, an ugly war, and an unusual spell, with the help of a concerned professor, an insightful house-elf, and an unexpected Gryffindor friend.

A Sword Laid Aside by @korlaena (E, 128k)

When Draco’s cover is blown during a deep undercover operation and the Ministry is compromised, Ron takes Draco to the only safe place he can think of—Potter. Hiding out with a taciturn Harry Potter, who has been missing from the Wizarding World for almost two decades after a shocking fall from grace, is nothing like Draco thought it would be.

Any Instrument by @dictacontrion (E, 131k)

Draco Malfoy wouldn't go back to England for anything less than an exceptional case. Being asked to figure out why Harry Potter can't control his magic might be exceptional enough to qualify.

By the Grace by lettered (T, 140k)

Harry is an Auror instructor. Malfoy wants to be an Auror.

Twist of Fate by Oakstone730 (T, 300k)

Draco asks Harry to help him beat the Imperius curse during 4th year. The lessons turn into more than either expected. A story of redemption and forgiveness.

[animentality]

[sitp-recs]

Sitp Essentials - Joyful Gems

Happy birthday to the incredibly lovely and talented @ihopeyoubothstaysafefromharm! I rarely do art reclists because I kinda feel under qualified for that lol, but Joy puts so much of his heart and soul into his creations and his kindness and overall genius brain inspire me so much I felt the urge to do a little something for his special day.

Dear Joy, this fandom has been more creative, enchanting, gentle and inclusive since you’ve arrived. Your art has been there for me (and for so many others) at good and hard times, always bringing a little ray of sunshine, comfort and hope. No matter the tone - healing or cheerful, spooky or bruising, bittersweet or devastating, I love how much tenderness, empathy and soft understanding transpire from your evocative pieces; I see bits of you in each one, and I hope that with this humble reclist you’ll be able to see bits of me as well. Thank you for everything you do! It’s truly an honour to share this space with you and I hope you have the wonderful and joyful celebration you deserve. Happy day!!

Now a joyful selection of Liv’s faves - which are yours? Feel free to reblog this adding your own faves, let’s shower Joy with love today!

to smile

👠 chicken shop date interview

🐦 kept in cages - multiple

👢 fashionista Draco

🌙 Sailor Moon Draco

👱‍♀️ Harry/Draco/Luna

🌟 stargazing milestone

🧸 HBD to crow, sally, rom & joy

to ache

🪞 HBD Harry

🧶 Harry& Sirius

🏝️ soft dad Draco at the beach

🪢 to be loved is to be changed

🥛 it’s hard being the golden boy

🚬 smoke after quidditch

🪦 what if it all went wrong (mcd)

to vibe contemplate

🤖 mecha Drarry

🔪 murder husbands

💍 slytherin kings

🐉 Courier Draco AU

🛹 Skater AU

🎡Rainy Tokyo AU

🚪 A Little Death Never Hurt Anyone

⏳Away Childish Things

🐈 Free to a Good Home

🪴 Relic Radiation

🦊 The Foxing Ring

[ihopeyoubothstaysafefromharm]

when I first started getting into drarry in march 2021, I discovered liv's blog and I think for about 3-4 months, I kept it permanently open as a tab for reference, as I devoured my way thorough everything that builds up this fanon in which I've since found a community, comfort and a home. i always say that i'll read almost anything, content-wise, but the kind of stories i'm drawn to, the kind of language and characterizations and narrative inner spark - these things I'm horribly picky about and it's a treasure to find someone whose tastes and attentions align so much with what I like - because you can trust them, because they can guide you. I'm fairly sure I would have never imagined even talking to liv at that point, so having my own sitp reclist is absolutely out of this universe!

i love the format so much, i'm so honored you've slipped out of your fic comfort zone to make something about my drawings, and I'm so honored and delighted at the way you understand and love them exactly in the way that I do. it's also insanely satisfying how every emoji next to the titles is perfectly assigned and sometimes so delightfully unexpectedly niche!

Thank you so much liv for this wonderful gesture of love and attention for my year in this place, and thank you for your friendship and trust ❤️ I'm so happy that loving things - and talking openly about them - makes life so much more interesting.

[mxanigel]

I'm sure you've seen posts floating around about leaving comments on AO3 as a "second kudos" but seriously, try it sometime.

Even if all you write is "2nd kudos" or "enjoyed re-reading <3"

Because it's a big deal when someone reads your words but all the more amazing WHEN THEY RETURN.

[druckkugelschreiber]

Haven’t seen these floating around but anyway, „second kudos“ is exactly what I’ve been looking for as a short and snappy phrase that’s more than just emojis or whatever. Going to use this if I remember hopefully!

[mxkelsifer-deactivated20240108]

Once you get out of the mindset of a comment needs to be some sort of a book report about the fanfic you read and more a communication to the author that you read and enjoyed the thing they created, it opens up a whole world of possibilities!

[kittycargo]

Witch Weekly had called Malfoy pretty, which made Harry huff. Malfoy wasn’t pretty. He sneered too much, his pale eyelashes barely visible, his nose thin and pointy.

Harry binned the magazine, and the note from Ginny that said Thought you might be interested! He gave her owl a treat, then let it back out the kitchen window. He picked up his mug of tea, and trekked back up the stairs.

He stood in the doorway of his bedroom, took in the sight of Draco, curled up in his bed, soft in sleep.

Draco wasn’t pretty, but Harry liked him all the more for it. He liked Draco’s sharp mouth, his intelligent eyes, the spot of thinning hair on the back of his head that Draco was extremely sensitive about.

Harry didn’t want Pretty Malfoy or Nice Malfoy, the Malfoy all the gossip rags and paparazzi saw now that they all thought him reformed. He loved that all the best parts of Draco weren’t reformed: his dark sense of humor, his stream of mean comments under his breath about people trying to suck up to Harry, the pinched look on his face when something displeased him (which was often.) Harry loved the secret parts of Draco: his love for dark chocolate and his worry over his mother, the way he was sweet with children.

He knew in a moment Draco would wake up and be grouchy as he always was in the mornings. His hair would be mussed and a bit of sleep in his eyes. He’d steal Harry’s tea and complain about Harry’s cold feet when he got back into bed. He didn’t want the pretty Malfoy the papers saw - not when he could have Draco, prickly and perfect in his bed.

[gamwthnzwhmou]

Reblog if you had a Tumblr for 5+ years

[justthingsfromsarah]

currently writing

“I found it here,” You whisper, as if speaking normally would disturb the silence of Snape’s former chambers. “Do you know what it is?”

Heartache, I want to say, catching a glimpse of us — older, greyer, happier — in the reflection. Out loud, I say, “Erised.”

You nod, eyes sadder than they should be. “Deepest desire reflected back to you.”

I catch your hand and squeeze. “It’s not real.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Your voice cracks, but I ignore it and let you press me into the cool glass, eyes clenched shut, lips marking my skin.

[danasauurr]

So you said you haven't drawn a kiss pose before in that drarry request so like I love and I would like to humbly request Draco and Harry in a full blown make out if it's not to much trouble u kno it could also be perfect practice because I am the gay devil.😘🙆😎

“ Alright mate lets go”

I didnt get that close to a makeout scene

But I tried TTvTT

[loamsome]

Your spotify-assigned gender is the first two genres it suggests in your liked songs, I'll start

[sitp-recs]

Twelve HP artists I’ve been obsessed with lately…

“I should be packing and working on other stuff but why not make a short reclist instead???” Famous last words lol. I’ve been noticing and reblogging HP art more often these days and thought it would be fun to give these amazing creators a shoutout - their gorgeous work could definitely get more appreciation! Feast your eyes below and join me by adding your own recs ;) happy Friday!

@biskueeee - the prettiest faces you’ll see this week, I am so in love with Silver Trio and they’re looks! My faves here, here and here

@chellokoru - perfect 8th year Drarry, you gotta check their art for Mental, faves here, here and this stunning Harry portrait makes me go 🥺

@crapfaerie - aesthetics goals really, these fab boys are serving looksTM, faves here, here and here

@getawayfox - gentle domesticity and pretty boys posing as the models they are! My faves here, here and here

@immortalacorn - sexy & tender intimacy with the lilac background I deserve! My faves here, here and here. Also this mild nsfw is 🔥

@missmrah - the one who made us all salivate over NottPott (go read the Chronicles series by @amarillis39 ASAP), apparently I’m into any ship they decide to draw pls and thank. Faves here, here and here. Bonus: a Drarry treat for us thirsty hoes

@mrviran - superb dark art and so much world building, I am dead and buried but what a way to go 😔🤌🏼 faves here, here and here

@roughscribs - power couple POC!Harry! I’m feral for those outfits and long-haired Draco. Faves here and here

@sugareey-makes-stuff - gorgeous texturized aesthetics and that evocative palette! My faves are here, here and here

@valerisalo - the coolest art style, lush vibrant colours and exquisite portraits, HP faves here, here and here

@yananotyourdoll - impeccable hair game and peak romance with my beloved tropes, faves here, here and here

@yomarius - soft summery boys in perfectly idyllic scenarios, top comfort food. My faves here, here and here

[skeptiquewrites]

Microfic: Can't Stand It

for @drarrymicrofic prompt 'i put a spell on you' by nina simone

"Does Draco know?" Sirius asks. This portrait of him is younger than Harry is now, but it feels like he knows more than Harry. Especially right now.

Harry shakes his head.

"Why not?"

Harry's breath is unsteady. "He wouldn't want—it's too much for anyone the way I love people."

"If you don't tell him," and Sirius' voice is tender, "he'll never know. And if he doesn't know you're an option, he can't make a choice."

It clicks. "Something like this happened to you."

Sirius' smile is small and sad. "I don't know that I'd know what to say otherwise."

[sitp-recs]

Hidden Gems by @jackvbriefs

Another incredible author I discovered last year, Jack is insanely talented and underrated. Her works are among the most creative, intimate and brilliantly executed short fics I’ve read in recent years, and her ability to create a sharp, detailed, immersive universe with innovative magical theory and heartrending love stories within 3k blows my mind. Let’s not forget to mention the sublime prose, which establishes any kind of atmosphere you could imagine so effortlessly it feels like magic. I get immediately transported and captivated thanks to a strong sense of place, nuanced characters and a much appreciated and compelling emotional arc that resonates deeply. The fics below are unusual and brilliant, sometimes tenderly melancholy, other times just downright creepy, but always a satisfying and arresting journey. I tried to keep my commentary short but apparently couldn’t help myself. I hope you all enjoy these as much as I did!

The Wanting (2021, M, 284 words) - stunning micro with superb prose, gorgeous dream-like imagery and a powerful dive into Draco’s trauma through his physical/emotional scars.

In Draco’s dreams after the War, Harry always accepts his hand. Harry’s nails are bitten to uneven ridges, his skin rubs rough, but his fingers welcome Draco as they curl and squeeze back. The handshake loops. Eleven again, Draco doesn’t let go.

Imitation Virtues (2020, M, 364 words) - the hottest bad boy Draco you’ll read today, the amount of character and the atmosphere this gives off is *chefs kiss*

Destructive. That’s what Hermione had called him after seeing the black fabrics, the dyes and ink the Malfoy scion wrapped himself in. “We’re supposed to be rebuilding.”

The Keepers (2021, T, 3.6k) - love this take on MoD Unspeakable!Harry and his close relationship with Draco. Impressive amount of world building and a distinct magical library landscape make for a quietly immersive, melancholy read.

In the Rare Books Department of the Ministry of Magic, Draco tends to unique texts and, on occasion, a certain Unspeakable.

Limits of Earth and Sky (2021, E, 3.8k) - simply obsessed with this off job concept and how it fits Draco like a glove, it’s thrilling to watch him through Harry’s curious eyes. As always this has impeccable vibes, a quiet severe Draco and delicious “strangers to lovers” tension, including scorching semi-dressed smut with leather & praise kink 🔥

Again and again, Draco Malfoy returns to the public eye only to attempt the most challenging broomriding feats Wizarding Society has to offer. Again and again, Harry Potter watches him do it and wonders why.

Ceremonials (2021, NR, 4k) - once again perfect Drarry chemistry with protective Draco, ritualistic elements and a masterfully executed dialogue hinting at a shared past we crave to learn about. I love how an emotionally contained piece unfolds in such a meaningful way.

“What are you doing here?” Harry said.

“I’m teaching you how to make a drink.”

Inside These Walls (2021, M, 5.6k) - roller blade magic yes please! This courier!Draco fic blew my mind with its tone and creativity, the coolest creepy vibes, intriguing plot and a sexy mysterious Harry I’m dying to know more about. A must read!

The year before Draco moves to Los Angeles, Harry Potter disappears. Draco doesn’t mean to find him. He’s just doing his job.

Unseen (2020, T, 47k) - Auror partners falling in love in with San Francisco! As per usual this story has rich and detailed world building, plus an absolutely fascinating take on Harry that breaks my heart. Love the building tension with tough, intelligent Draco, and how beautifully these two complex characters come together. It’s about the lingering devastation…

Harry Potter finally has the chance to leave England and its expectations for The Chosen One behind for good. All he has to do is survive one Auror training conference overseas with Draco Sodding Malfoy.

[onbeinganangel]

embroidered fic recs 28/?

Among Ancient Pines by Theartfulldodger (aka @graymatters)

[useless technical shinfo: this one is all satin stitch with a little bit of back stitch for the trees at the bottom. all on plain white cotton, using 25 different shades of thread (this is the most i’ve ever used on one hoop only!!), and a 30cm hoop. all together it took about 35 hours.]

Good god, I’ve been waiting to make this one for aaaaaaaaaages! I first read Among Ancient Pines just about a week after it was first posted and I knew pretty much immediately (or immediately after I stopped crying about it, I guess) that I wanted to make a big beautiful hoop for it. When it finally came to it a few months ago, I knew it was time I tried my hand at a colour blocking embroidery style, which I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. I still cannot believe how well it worked.

I have always loved Sara’s writing and to get to bask in its beauty for as long as this fic allowed me to was an absolute treat. The atmosphere is simply gorgeous and you won’t really get a choice but to get fully wrapped up in it and let yourself be taken for the ride.

Can’t go on without mentioning that this fic was written for the H/D Big Bang, which means two incredibly talented artists have made art for it already, so please allow me to direct you to @cambiodipolvere​’s post here with his AAP art, and to @onlytheheartknows​’s own post here! Both their styles fit so incredibly well with the story that I genuinely teared up about it at one point.

Part of the beauty of this fic are the characters in it and even though the Harry and the Draco in this are absolutely perfect (and I really mean perfect), the story goes so beyond them that it fills my heart. I think I can say without a doubt that if I had to pick original characters from any fic I’ve ever read to meet irl, I would pick characters from Among Ancient Pines. 

If you like a masterpiece in building tension absolutely out of control, delicious magical theory, absolutely heartbreaking attention to detail, a stunning Ginny & Draco friendship, beautiful OCs that you’ll be willing to die for, gorgeous setting and ultimately, a story about growing and making the right and wrong decisions, all I can say is, why the fuck haven’t you clicked that link yet?

[graymatters]

Mari, you’ve cried over my fic, I’ve now cried over your embroidery 😭 (imagine the heart crying emoji). We have come full circle, lovely 💚 You are so immensely talented!!! The colors!!!! The trees!!! The coloe blocking!!! You have captured the vibe of the fic so beautifully, and I am so blown away that you’ve made something so incredibly gorgeous inspired by something i wrote. Thank you thank you thank you, Mari, you are just phenomenal. 😘 💚💚💚

[bodhimcbodeface]

Do u ever read a friend’s fic and it’s like holy shit how do you consider me qualified to talk to you?

[theamazingbard]

seeing incredible writers reblog this is wild

[violettedelightz-deactivated202]

All the time.

[ashbelero]

i don’t think you guys understand how much writers need readers.

[trash-goddess]

I once had a professor way “To write is a right, to be read is a privilege.” I think it’s a philosophy all writers - and readers - should adopt.

[the-starryknight]

little luminaries

daily micro #50, the last of this series

Harry stands among his creations; a dozen glass lights dazzle amid the charmed ceiling. Vibrant red, silver-grey and joyful yellow by the witchlight, his craft in each soldered seam.

"You're watching me again."

How can I not? "I like the gold one, there."

"They're yours. I make them all for you."

[notes-app-psychologist]

me when i have a vague idea of two characters and half a plot: