In September 2020, I joined my first ever fest - @gameofdrarry Wizards Hearts. The goal was simple: Read and comment on 52 fics as per the tropes and celebrate our lovely authors!
Every single fic was brilliant! I’m in awe of the talent in the fandom!!💛
I'm so excited that I managed to complete my deck :)… here’s a peek into how it went.
1. What was the first fic you read for the game/fest? Why did you choose it? - I think the first fic I read and commented on for the fest was Puppy Breath and Money by GeorgeOaks. It’s an ABO fic. I find this genre interesting especially when handled respectfully (and it was done so well in this fic). I had just started this fic when I joined Wizards Hearts and it fit into the ABO trope so well.
2. What was the last fic you read for the game/fest? How did it feel reading 52+ fics? - The last fic i read was I love you (2) by curlee_cue. It was for the Dark fic trope. I had some trouble finding a good, suitable fic which is why I left this one for last but what a brilliant and chilling story it was! Reading 52 fics was a wild ride! At one point in December i was worried i wouldn't manage to complete the deck...but I’m glad i did :)
3. What was your strategy for choosing fic/tropes for your reading list? Was there a fic/trope you found you simply couldn’t resist? - My strategy changed every few weeks haha. I started off with tropes I loved and quick short fics. Then I realized I had time and I should look for long fics that would meet all the suit criteria (rake in all the points). I also left out a couple of my fav tropes to savor toward the end. Then I panicked, I didn't have enough time and went back to shorter fics.
4. Was there a trope that you’ve read a lot of previously that you found uniquely presented? - I’ve read a fair few 8th year fics. But I thoroughly enjoyed Head Full of You by MaesMora. It was light, fun and I liked sassy Harry, meddling Blaise, Blaise and Harry as roommates and the little Blaise/Neville.
5. What's a moment in a fic that genuinely got you to tear up? - Every Breath You Take by hephaestiions - I read this for the angst trope and boy does this fic bring the angst. I cried throughout this fic. First when Scorpius dies. Then when Draco finds Harry, dead, by the roses and the last line “We’re family. We wait.” I was raw and red eyed! This is a gorgeous fic though it may not be everyone's cup of tea!
6. Was there a trope you’ve never read or heard of before? What did you think? - I’ve not really read many Dragon or Patronus fics. So I took my time searching for those. I landed up reading 2 beautiful Dragon fics. Blood and Fire and Of Roses and Dragonfire (though the 2nd one landed in the trice read list before I could finish it...oh well, it then lead me to the former fic which was great too.)
7. Which trope did you read that pleasantly surprised you? - Deaging. I haven't read many of those fics, but I enjoyed Draco caring for little Harry in Dear Potter. Bodyswap is another trope I haven't read much of.
8. Is there a fic that made you laugh out loud? - It has got to be Three Stripes, a Muffin Top, and Those Pink Shoes This fic is absolutely delightful. It’s got bratty teens, sexy older Drarry, model/fashionista Draco, shenanigans and honest conversations.
9. What is your favourite trope and why? - I enjoy Kid fics. I love baby Teddy or Scorpius, the Potter kids or even OC kids. I like the wholesomeness, domesticity and the complexity that comes with a family fic. These fics always have a lot of warmth and fluff or even angst sometimes and it's lovely to read.
10. Which tropes did you skip? Would you be willing to share why? If you didn’t skip a trope, was there one that gave you pause? - I skipped Epilogue compliant and Room of requirement...Mainly because I couldn’t find an interesting and long fic to read. So I compensated those with tropes I enjoy and sunk into some nice long fics.
11. Which suit did you have the most fun reading? Why? - I enjoyed Clubs and Hearts. I finished Clubs first, I was following a few fests and it was fun to read those fics. Hearts had some fun tropes like vacation fic.
12. Did you rec any fics to your friends during the game/fest? Which ones? - Yep, Once a Malfoy Every Breath You Take and In Our Blood
13. Do you have any feedback for the mods of the game/fest? Would you be interested in playing again if the opportunity arose? Share more info about your experience. - The fest was so well organized and all the mods are so amazing! A huge thank you to all of them for organizing and executing this fest. I would certainly participate again. When I started Wizard’s Hearts I was only a reader / lurker in the fandom and I loved this concept coz it allowed me to participate in a fandom fest which I wouldn’t otherwise be able to do. The discord group also introduced me to some lovely people. It's been a great experience.















