Thanksvember 2024
Annual Thanksvember post to thank writers for the amazing fics that have changed my life! I’m including 30 fics for the 30 days of November (though I'm posting this a little late). I didn’t make one of these last year, but I missed it so it’s back <3 These fics mean the world to me. Some of them are masterpieces with magnificent writing styles and storylines, better than almost all the published books I’ve read. Some are soft, sweet, and fun pieces that never fail to make me smile, lighting up even my darkest days. All of them live in my heart and scenes from them will randomly pop into my head. Not only did they get me through this year, but they touched my soul. Thank you for writing these pieces and sharing them with the world. <3
Marauders era (Regulus Black-related) fics:
Nov 1 - Grim omens in starlit skies by morgana_moonlight
I’m literally addicted to this story. The writing and plot lines are incredible, Sirius and Reg’s relationship is so well written with the right about of affection and angst, and each character has secrets that make them so much more complex than they appear at first glance. I love these characters so much, I didn’t think I could love them anymore, but their characterizations in the story somehow make that possible. I would recommend this 100 times to any Black Brothers (and Jegulus + wolfstar) lovers.
Nov 2 - Black Mask by @izzythehutt
This high concept Black Family centric fic is so well written. Before reading this, I couldn’t fathom caring about Sirius’ parents beyond hating them; now, I adore Orion and Lucretia (and to some extent, Walburga — I know *gasp*). The characters and relationships are so complex and interesting, and every part of the story is a banger. I cannot recommend this story enough.
Nov 3 - i see how this ends (poorly) by @quillium
This story changed my brain chemistry and is embedded in my soul. I love Seer!Regulus, but more than that, the phenomenal writing and the theme of kindness and hope even in the most hopeless situations make this story a masterpiece. I’m not exaggerating when I say this story changed my life. Every time I feel hopeless (which is often given the state of the world), I think of that flower Caradoc and Evan saw growing in the crack of the road. ♥️
Nov 4 - A Thing Like Stars in the Dark by toliveinthesky
This is a beautiful story about Reg surviving the cave, learning to live with a broken body, and falling in love with a muggleborn witch while healing his relationship with Sirius. I’m not usually a fan of fics with OCs, but this Reg/OC story is absolutely one of my favorites. I love diving into Reg’s character and watching him grow — learning to forgive himself and move forward (and learning to make tea!) 🫶
Nov 5 - Twin Stars (never the sun) by phantom_star739
This fic goes through Reg's time at Hogwarts until right after the cave part. I love every detail — Reg and Pandora's wandless nonverbal magic, Reg's relationship with James (and the wind!), and ofc Sirius and Reg's brotherhood. I adore the semi-open ending. There's just something special about this story — in the relationships (be it romantic, platonic, or familial) and the characters and in the writing. One of my favorite canon-verse Hogwarts era fics for sure.
Nov 6 - i would say i love you (but it’s so hard, I won’t say it at all) by @avesgraveyard
It's the way I'm SO feral for this story that I described every single detail of the fic to my friend who isn't even in this fandom but this story is so good that now she's so invested too!! Barty and Evan are so so special to me, and this road trip is just SO DELICIOUSLY ANGSTY in the BEST way! I love the story, the writing style, the characters, and basically every single thing about it <3
Nov 7 - that which makes a lionheart by starbrrymilk (littledewdrops)
The cutest Hogwarts Reg / Muggleborn!OC story ever! I love watching Regulus' character growth in this fic, and how the story slowly unveils more about the OC, who at first just seems cheerful and kind, but later reveals her tragic past and her seer abilities. Her kindness is not born out of naivety but out of strength, and I love that. This story truly highlights the importance of the people in your life and how they shape you, especially while growing up.
Nov 8 - Silver eyes drowned in mirth (rebellion in his blood) by illu_gremlins
Sirius and Regulus' relationship is MESSY, because, duh, it's not easy growing up in an abusive household. This fic goes over the complexity of their relationship. It addresses Sirius' fear about James associating with Reg because Reg knows the horrible, traumatized, worst parts of Sirius that James doesn't and he doesn't want Reg to taint James' image of him — something that is seldom talked about. This entire story beautifully describes complexities in relationships and emotions that are rarely addressed but are so important <3
Nov 9 - As Soon As He Can by Trex_patronus
This Ghost!Regulus fic, which focuses on the Black brothers relationship, is the reason I fell in love with Regulus Black-centric stories. The way the brothers grapple with their complex history, learn more about each other, navigate their traumas, and heal together is everything I need and more. Every single thing about this story — from the writing style to the pacing to the smallest details — is phenomenal. If you're looking for a long Ghost!Regulus fic or Black Brothers fic, I HIGHLY recommend this one! (Bonus: it's 62 chapter and completed!)
Nov 10 - Kill Your Darlings by @sophsicle
This fic is so iconic, I don't even know if it needs an explanation, but it was truly made for me since it combines my love for the Black brothers & the Skittles & marauders & Jegulus with my love for the hockey romance genre (my not-so-guilty pleasure)! This story has that, along with some of the best writing & storylines I've seen, plus absolutely gut wrenching tear-inducing angsty messy feels and well-developed, complex, interesting friendships and relationships — what more could I ask for? This is literal perfection
Nov 11 - Mutually Assured Destruction by @spacexcowgirl
This is a "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" modern AU, where James tries to prove that he can get a man to fall for him, while Reg tries to show his friends how they're screwing up their relationships by acting like them to get James to break up with him — until, of course, it gets a little too real for both of them. This story is well written and the angsty-ness twists my heart every time I reread it. This quote is engraved in my brain: "Don't you think if we had someone we actually liked, the way you clearly like James, we would try to be better? Don't you think we wish we were different, that we would be good enough for someone? We don't need you pointing out our fucking flaws to us." It punches me in the gut every time. I cannot recommend this fic enough
Nov 12 - i’ll tell you my sins (and you can sharpen your knife) by flowerinajar
This series of oneshots breaks my heart in the best way. Sirius and Reg fighting over James, Reg staying with his parents so Sirius doesn't have to despite James begging him to leave — all the angst hurts me in the best way. It's so beautifully written and I'm literally addicted to this series. 🫶 Any angst & Jegulus lovers NEED to read this <3
Nov 13 - Since I was Eleven by anonymous
Genuinely, one of the most beautifully written angst-filled Hogwarts-era Jegulus fics. The premise is amazing: the marauders think Reg outed Sirius to the whole school, so James decided to take revenge by fake-dating and outing Reg, only to discover that Reg didn't really out Sirius and starts to truly fall for him. The whole time, Reg is completely in love with James in the most heartbreaking way. This fic gives me so many feels — it's made me cry at crazy hours of the night. I love it so much <3
Nov 14 - Sixteen by fantasticallyfictional
This fame AU is filled to the brim with the best kinds of angst. Just when you think they're in the clear, social media and tabloids come and ruin it all — just what you want from a Fame AU. This fic is written in such a poignant way. I'm so so invested in this story!! If anyone wants to read a Jegulus & Black Brothers modern / fame AU, I 100% recommend this one.
Nov 15 - All I see is you by morgana_moonlight
One of my FAVORITE one shots that I've read SO many times, I've lost count. This Hogwarts-era fic has it all: Black brothers being chaotic brothers, Jegulus, wolfstar, silliness (yes it makes me laugh every time I read it), angst (it also feels like a knife twisting in my chest), secrets, and drama. It's a rollercoaster ride of emotions, plot points, and amazing lines and I adore it with all my heart.
Nov 16 - Intermission by bizarrestars
Slutty!Barty / Asexual!Evan is so so special to me and this story hits the nail on the head. Not only is the writing phenomenal, the story is gut-wrenching because they're two boys who love each other but have been hurt so much that they don't think they can love each other. As an aspec person and as a person with a complex relationship with my parents / childhood, this fic is so affirming and feels like a warm hug. Honestly, I just want to say thank you to this story for making me feel like it's going to be ok.
Nov 17 - Yeah, My Boyfriend’s Pretty Cool (But Not as Cool as Me) by @paintmegrey
THE fame AU you HAVE to read. Actor!Reg and Actor!James are so cute but also have so many angsty feels (due to Walburga's A+ parenting). Served with a side of Rosekiller, Wolfstar, texting & social media. This story is masterfully constructed, with gorgeous writing and amazing storylines. Seriously, go read it RIGHT NOW <3 Trust me, you'll thank me afterwards for this rec.
Nov 18 - Best Friend’s Brother by bizarrestars
One of my favorite stories I've ever read, including published books. I've recommended it to multiple friends who aren't even in the fandom — that's how good this story is. There are so many scenes from this fic that have stuck with me. It's beautifully written and the storylines, relationships, and characterizations are impeccable. Overall, it's a story about Sirius and Reg healing from their abusive childhood — healing as individuals and healing their brotherhood — that feels so hopeful and gentle at its core. It's a story about love (familial, romantic, and between friends), building your happiness, and finding a community even after undergoing horrific experiences. Saying I love it feels like an understatement. This story, that I've reread so many times, has touched and changed me at my core.
Nov 19 - Warm by UnfortunatelyDisastrous
I love this story where Regulus decides to take revenge on Sirius by stealing all his friends. Of course, Reg didn't predict that he'd actually fall in love with James or genuinely like Sirius' other friends... This fic is SO. FREAKING. GOOD. What starts off as a revenge plot leads to genuine friendships and changes the Skittles’ lives forever. Bonus points: amazing friendships, black brothers drama / reconciliation, Jegulus, and Rosekiller + Dorlene + Wolfstar + Peter/Emmeline, and it's completed! I feel like this is one of Jegulus fics where they have the deepest / strongest connections and healthiest communication out of all the fics I've read. This story is criminally underrated. GO READ IT!!
Nov 20 - Making the Most of It by @prtfrmhrtbrn
I love this fic so so much. At first glance, this fic is so light and fluffy, but really there is so much to this fic that just hits hard. Regulus' light flirtation with Lily, his eventual relationship with James, and his complex relationship with Sirius are all so beautifully written. I love how Sirius is portrayed as being so fundamentally different from Reg that he struggles to understand him, while Lily just gets Reg. This part lives in my brain rent-free: "What would you do if James blanked you in the hallways?" [...] "I'd say what the fuck did I do to you?" "Okay, she says, "Regulus isn't like that. Regulus would wait for them to come to him." "In what fucking world is that the right idea?" "The world," she says, sounding really quite exasperated and emphasizing quite a lot of her words, "in which Regulus is scared that the answer to what the fuck did I do to you is oh, nothing, I just don't like you anymore."
Nov 21 - promises, ocean deep by chrundle28
A fic where Reg finds out Peter is the spy, and decides to tell Sirius about his horcrux plans. The Black-Brothers-taking-down-Voldy-together fic you didn't know you needed, complete with some feels and wolfstar. This story is amazing and every time I see a new chapter released, it makes my day.
Drarry fics:
Nov 22 - Little Deaths and How to Avoid Them (or Draco Malfoy’s Guide to Stop Dying and Start Living Instead) by nerakrose
Such an amazing story, featuring post-War Draco, Harry teaching children Quidditch, and Ace-spec Harry with PCD (post-coital depression). They both learn to heal from their pasts and start living instead of just surviving. Complete with incredible artwork, this story is so hopeful and cozy. I highly suggest you give it a read. As someone on the asexual spectrum and as someone who had a tough childhood & has had mental health struggles, this fic means the world to me.
Nov 23 - Around You Moves by ignatiustrout
Drarry fic where Draco moves in with Harry. Harry knows Draco is gay and he's totally fine with it, so why does he start feeling so uncomfortable and angry when Draco brings a man home to hook up with? Spoiler alert: Harry's in love with him ;) I love a good "Harry realizes he's into men bc of Draco" fic, and them being roommates is just the cherry on top. I love how gentle and kind they are to each other after they get together and how much they truly adore each other. There's so much emotion packed into this that I can't believe it's a one shot. I love it <3
Next Gen era (Teddy Lupin or Scorpius & Draco-related) fics:
Nov 24 - Preconceived Notions by @drown-me-in-fire
A "Scorpius comes out to Draco and Draco is extremely supportive" fic with a little twist. I adore Draco as a good father and I love this double reveal in this story. It's the perfect type of fluff for me — all around fluffy with a dab of angsty backstories & fears. This is so well written and just makes me feel warm every time I reread it.
Nov 25 - The Potter Thing by writeitininkorblood
A "Scorpius telling Draco he's gay & dating Albus" story that I've read about 30 times. This story is the perfect pick-me-up on rough days and heals my inner child because Draco is such a great dad. Draco saying "I will never force you to go through with anything you don’t want to do. Just be happy, Scorpius, that’s all I need you to do" is carved into my heart. Reading this fic is like wrapping myself is a fuzzy blanket on a cold day with a mug of hot chocolate in my hands. I cannot recommend it enough <3
Nov 26 - Godfamily by JoeMerl
A really cute piece about Teddy Lupin's emotions about Harry and Ginny having a child. I love stories like this one that are just the right mix of fluff, a sprinkling of angst, and packed with heartwarming feels. It's such a great pick-me-up that I love to reread when I need something comforting and warm
ACOTAR - Nessian fics:
Nov 27 - Lady Death and Her Kingdom by @kale-theteaqueen
Nessian fic where Nesta can see the ghosts of the dead. The scenes of Nesta asking Cassian if he's real are stuck in my head. There so many angsty, hurt/comfort scenes in this fic that I adore. One of my favorite parts of this story is Velaria — Rhys' sister — who appears as a ghost to Nesta while she's staying at the townhouse. I love this story and each time a new chapter is published, it makes my day. Definitely recommend!
Nov 28 - Daylight by @flowerflamestars
A masterpiece of fiction and one of the best piece of writing I've read in my life. Go read this right now because it will change your life. This is an epic. I love watching Nesta shine magnificently in this story while tearing down millennia-old power structure designed to subjugate Illyrians. I have no words to properly describe my love for this story, so you'll just have to go check it out for yourself. <3
Throne of Glass - Aedion Ashryver fics:
Nov 29 - A Lion’s Pride by @pitterpatterpot
I am this fic's number one fan and I will be until the day I die. I love the way it studies Aedion's character in depth — from his upbringing in Terrasen and in the War Camps (essentially as a child soldier) to his relationship with Gavriel, Evangeline, and the Cadre. Plus, the writing is AMAZING. Every single chapter makes me emotional. I've reread this story so many times. I won't ever stop the free advertising for this fic because it owns my heart. Like, genuinely, the real ones know that I never shut up about this story and I never ever will
The Mortal Instruments - Lightwood-Bane family fics:
Nov 30 - Oh My God Dad, You Can’t Just Ask People Why They’re Blue by @ellegy42
This is the CUTEST story about Max, Rafael, and Alec. This entire series always makes me smile, but this story in particular has to be my favorite because of baby Alec. I’ve read it at least 10 times and it never fails to brighten my day.
