Fangirl Thursday - the Ho!Ho!Ho! Harry Potter edition.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
In the time-honoured American consumerist tradition of skipping over Halloween and giving Thanksgiving a miss, I humbly bring you thirteen-ish heartwarming yuletide stories from the Harry Potter fandom.
Title: Father Christmas, 1940.
Author: janus
Link: http://owl.tauri.org/stories.php?psid=13682
Rating: G
Pairing: Gen, Abraxas Malfoy
Status: Complete, one-shot
Summary: Father Christmas is real and a young Abraxas is invited to assist him.
Why I fangirl this: I adore stories that take your expectations and twist them into something new. Father Christmas gave me goosebumps the first time I read it and it was the first story that leapt vividly to mind when I decided on this theme.
Art Title: The Twelve Days of Wizarding Christmas (Gred and Forge)
Artist: hptwilighter
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2O0GOfolNA
Rating: G
Pairing: Gen
Why I fangirl this: "On the first day of Christmas, Percy gave to me a lecture all about the Ministry..."
Title: Inlaws, Bylaws and Just Desserts
Author: gravidy
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/dramione_advent/6263.html
Rating: G
Pairing: Draco Malfoy/Hermione Granger
Status: Complete, one-shot
Summary: After two years of dating Draco, Hermione is sure she’s ready for a holiday dinner with Draco’s folks.
Why I fangirl this: Oh, where do I start? Inlaws just about made me pee my pants the first time I read it. Fantastic set up, Snarky, pitch- perfect dialogue. Peacocks that shoot blue flames from their eyes.
Yes. Peacocks that shoot blue flames from their eyes.
Art Title: Christmas Luna and Ginny
Artist: Alkanet
Link: http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=§ion=&q=+harry+potter+christmas#/d7zp81
Rating: G
Pairing: Gen, Luna Lovegood and Ginny Weasley
Why I fangirl this: Isn't Luna perfectly Luna? Isn't Ginny sassy?
Title: Amistlemour
Author: rivertempest
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/dramione_advent/9261.html
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Draco Malfoy/Hermione Granger
Status: Complete, one-shot
Summary: After receiving an enchanted Christmas present from Fred Weasley, Hermione thinks her life will never be the same. And she's right.
Why I fangirl this: Features a demented clump of mistletoe named Twiggy. I adore Twiggy.
Art Title: Merry Christmas Harry Potter
Artist: AdrienneL
Link: http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=§ion=&q=+harry+potter+christmas#/dfa9k5
Rating: G
Pairing: Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter
Why I fangirl this: Harry's expression of wide-eyed shock is exactly how I picture him most of the time.
Title: Four Sundays
Author: coffee n cocoa
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/smutty_claus/139314.html
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Neville Longbottom/Millicent Bulstrode
Status: complete, one-shot
Summary: A lot can change in a month’s time. Neville learns this for himself when he unexpectedly runs into an old schoolmate.
Why I fangirl this: It's awkward and sweet, oh so lovely and oh so hot.
Art Title: Snapey's Worst Christmas
Artist: Harry-Potter-Spain
Link: http://fav.me/dqfsph
Rating: G
Pairing: Gen, Severus Snape
Why I fangirl this: Do you think the tag reads "from Albus Dumbledore?"
Title: Like a Lightbulb in a Dark Room (Waiting For You to Turn Me On)
Author: bsafemydeers
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/smutty_claus/137927.html
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Seamus Finnigan/Luna Lovegood
Status: complete, one-shot
Summary: In the depths of the dark year at Hogwarts, Seamus Finnigan gets a Christmas kiss he just can't forget.
Why I fangirl this: Luna is pitch perfect and so is Seamus. Just dark enough to make the fluff taste sweeter.
Art Title: By the Gryffindor Fireplace
Artist: zhyn
Link: http://snupinsanta.annex-files.com/viewstory.php?sid=53
Rating: G
Pairing: Severus Snape/Remus Lupin
Why I fangirl this: Remus is a hep 70's dude. The fire! The tree! The bit of skin that Snape is showing!
Title: A Cup Of Kindness Yet
Author: odogoddess
Link: http://snupinsanta.annex-files.com/viewstory.php?sid=368
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Severus Snape/Remus Lupin
Status: complete, 2 chapters
Summary: Victoria era AU, non-magic. Snape and Lupin spend Christmas together.
Why I fangirl this: I'm not a huge fan of non-magicals, because most of the time, if you change the character names, you can't tell it's HP anymore. A Cup of Kindness is one of the few exceptions - the characterization is perfect and the story itself is beautifully written and well-researched. Also the footnotes are awesome (I love good footnotes).
Art Title: Thanksgiving Orphans, Cheers
Artist: Charles/Burrows/Charles Productions, Bill & Cheri Steinkellner (writers)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgZjqa4RrLE
Rating: PG
Pairing: gen; Sam/Diane
Why I fangirl this: Not fanart, not Harry Potter, but here for a purpose. One you'll divine when you read the next story.
Title: Your Heart Is Full of Unwashed Socks
Author: McKay
Link: http://remembrall.slashcity.net/viewstory.php?sid=101
Rating: PG
Pairing: Severus Snape/Remus Lupin
Status: complete, one-shot
Summary: Remus wants his friends and loved ones to come together for a special meal on Christmas Day in the spirit of peace on earth and good will to men. Severus knows better.
Why I fangirl this: The title is awesomesauce. The characterization is spot-on. And the denouement is sweet without being too sweet.
Art Title: Harry Potter Christmas Special
Artist: sandyledandy
Link: http://fav.me/d1674j6
Rating: G
Pairing: Gen
Why I fangirl this: Singing house-elves for the win!
Title: Magic and Miracles
Author: oldenuf2nb
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/hd_holidays/144771.html
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy
Status: complete, one-shot
Summary: Christmas has long been the season of miracles, which is a very good thing when you find yourself in need of one.
Why I fangirl this: I love stories where Harry gets the family life he deserves, no matter who his partner is. This one is a little more bittersweet than most domestics, but the gratitude befits the season.
Art Title: In Knead
Artist: red_rahl
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/hd_holidays/98217.html
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy
Why I fangirl this: Did you not see Harry's apron? Plus, I love baking and punny titles. Speaking of baking...
Rich & Chewy Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies
Temp: 350 F
Bake Time: 12 - 15 minutes
Yield: 30 - 36
2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 tsp each: salt and cinnamon
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
1. Preheat oven. By hand or mixer, blend together butter, brown sugar and honey. Add egg and vanilla, mix well. In a large bowl, stir together flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; add to butter mixture and stir until well combined. Stir in remaining ingrediants.
2. Place generous 1 inch scoops of dough 2 inches apart on parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake in center of oven until edges are lightly browned and centers are still soft, about 12 - 15 minutes (do NOT overbake) Transfer to wire rack, cool completely.
Title: Happy Christmas, Lord Voldemort
Author: starmom
Link: http://thepetulantpoetess.com/viewstory.php?sid=7957
Rating: PG
Pairing: Gen, Lord Voldemort
Status: complete, one-shot
Summary: The minions gather to decide on the Dark Lord's Christmas gift. Winner of Phoenix Rising's 2007 Mistletoe and Mayhem Challenge.
Why I fangirl this: Well, I didn't know that Lord Voldemort was the Undefeated Scrabble Champion of Great Britain. Learn something new every day. Imagine a meeting to decide on the boss's Christmas gift. You're laughing already, aren't you?
Art Title: Merry Old Santa
Artist: Thomas Nash
Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MerryOldSanta.jpg
Rating: G
Pairing: gen, none
Why I fangirl this: Not Harry Potter again, but the next story inspired me to look this art up, simply because Snape compares Dumbledore to it. I love it when Snape is wickedly observant.
Title: The Christmas Gift
Author: snarkywench
Link: http://owl.tauri.org/stories.php?psid=1926
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Severus Snape/Hermione Granger
Status: complete, two chapters
Summary: Snape forgoes his usual celebration of the season in order to help another in need.
Why I fangirl this: It's snarkywench, right? And Christmas. And Severus in love.
Art Title: You're a Mean One, Professor Snape
Artist: the flying pumpkin
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW2YOrRj7Zg
Rating: G
Pairing: Gen, Severus Snape
Why I fangirl this: Hey, watch it! You got Snape in my Seuss! You got Seuss in my Snape! Two great tastes that go together. Like peanut butter and chocolate.
Title: How Severus Stole Christmas
Author: Elizabeth
Link: http://thepetulantpoetess.com/viewstory.php?sid=12194
Rating: PG
Pairing: Severus Snape/Hermione Granger
Status: complete, one-shot
Summary: Severus hated Christmas, the entire Yule season. Please don't ask why, no wizard quite knows the reason.
Why I fangirl this: Hey, watch it! You got Snape in my Seuss! You got Seuss in my Snape! Two great tastes that go together. Like peanut butter and chocolate.
Art Title: Zomg, Christmas with a Ferret
Artist: wackykittyyan
Link: http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=§ion=&q=draco+hermione+christmas#/df2rpz
Rating: G
Pairing: Draco Malfoy (ferret)/Hermione Granger
Why I fangirl this: Oh, tee to the hee! Look at the ferret's expression - so very Draco.
Title: For the Girl Who Has Everything
Author: kate0404
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/pphp_challenge/2033.html
Rating: PG
Pairing: Harry Potter/Pansy Parkinson
Status: complete, one-shot
Summary: No, not every man was living with the Wizarding world's fashionista. Not every man was engaged to the woman who knew everything about everyone. Not every man was getting ready to marry the woman who had everything. No, only one man named Harry Potter could be that lucky.
Why I fangirl this: Kate deftly illustrates the stress of shopping for gifts, in a manner that makes me giggle with glee while reading. Mushy ending is a bonus.
Art Title: Where's your Christmas spirit
Artist: caycowa
Link: http://fav.me/dfqhz2
Rating: G
Pairing: Gen, Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore
Why I fangirl this: Snape's expression is awesome. And the dialogue is perfection.
Title: Letters to Father Christmas
Author: Meltha/Bookishwench
Link: http://owl.tauri.org/stories.php?psid=14771
Rating: G
Pairing: gen
Status: complete; drabble-ish series
Summary: Let's pretend that in the world of Harry Potter, Father Christmas is real. These might be the letters the characters might write to the old gentleman.
Why I fangirl this: My favourites are the letters by Moody and Pince, but the rest are by turns sweet and funny as well. Truly an inspired series.
Art Title: Harry Potter Christmas
Artist: frostyshark
Link: http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=§ion=&q=+harry+potter+christmas#/d2r1ggr
Rating: G
Pairing: Gen, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ronald Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Fred and George Weasley
Why I fangirl this: Ron is such an adorable doofus. The shading and linework is lovely.
So there you have it: twenty-five days of Christmas, plus Boxing Day (Hey, Harry Potter is British, yanno). Or, thirteen paired gifts of art and story to grow wee hearts three sizes bigger.
In the time-honoured American consumerist tradition of skipping over Halloween and giving Thanksgiving a miss, I humbly bring you thirteen-ish heartwarming yuletide stories from the Harry Potter fandom.
Title: Father Christmas, 1940.
Author: janus
Link: http://owl.tauri.org/stories.php?psid=13682
Rating: G
Pairing: Gen, Abraxas Malfoy
Status: Complete, one-shot
Summary: Father Christmas is real and a young Abraxas is invited to assist him.
Why I fangirl this: I adore stories that take your expectations and twist them into something new. Father Christmas gave me goosebumps the first time I read it and it was the first story that leapt vividly to mind when I decided on this theme.
Click to viewArt Title: The Twelve Days of Wizarding Christmas (Gred and Forge)
Artist: hptwilighter
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2O0GOfolNA
Rating: G
Pairing: Gen
Why I fangirl this: "On the first day of Christmas, Percy gave to me a lecture all about the Ministry..."
Title: Inlaws, Bylaws and Just Desserts
Author: gravidy
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/dramione_advent/6263.html
Rating: G
Pairing: Draco Malfoy/Hermione Granger
Status: Complete, one-shot
Summary: After two years of dating Draco, Hermione is sure she’s ready for a holiday dinner with Draco’s folks.
Why I fangirl this: Oh, where do I start? Inlaws just about made me pee my pants the first time I read it. Fantastic set up, Snarky, pitch- perfect dialogue. Peacocks that shoot blue flames from their eyes.
Yes. Peacocks that shoot blue flames from their eyes.
Art Title: Christmas Luna and Ginny
Artist: Alkanet
Link: http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=§ion=&q=+harry+potter+christmas#/d7zp81
Rating: G
Pairing: Gen, Luna Lovegood and Ginny Weasley
Why I fangirl this: Isn't Luna perfectly Luna? Isn't Ginny sassy?
Title: Amistlemour
Author: rivertempest
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/dramione_advent/9261.html
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Draco Malfoy/Hermione Granger
Status: Complete, one-shot
Summary: After receiving an enchanted Christmas present from Fred Weasley, Hermione thinks her life will never be the same. And she's right.
Why I fangirl this: Features a demented clump of mistletoe named Twiggy. I adore Twiggy.
Art Title: Merry Christmas Harry Potter
Artist: AdrienneL
Link: http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=§ion=&q=+harry+potter+christmas#/dfa9k5
Rating: G
Pairing: Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter
Why I fangirl this: Harry's expression of wide-eyed shock is exactly how I picture him most of the time.
Title: Four Sundays
Author: coffee n cocoa
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/smutty_claus/139314.html
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Neville Longbottom/Millicent Bulstrode
Status: complete, one-shot
Summary: A lot can change in a month’s time. Neville learns this for himself when he unexpectedly runs into an old schoolmate.
Why I fangirl this: It's awkward and sweet, oh so lovely and oh so hot.
Art Title: Snapey's Worst Christmas
Artist: Harry-Potter-Spain
Link: http://fav.me/dqfsph
Rating: G
Pairing: Gen, Severus Snape
Why I fangirl this: Do you think the tag reads "from Albus Dumbledore?"
Title: Like a Lightbulb in a Dark Room (Waiting For You to Turn Me On)
Author: bsafemydeers
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/smutty_claus/137927.html
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Seamus Finnigan/Luna Lovegood
Status: complete, one-shot
Summary: In the depths of the dark year at Hogwarts, Seamus Finnigan gets a Christmas kiss he just can't forget.
Why I fangirl this: Luna is pitch perfect and so is Seamus. Just dark enough to make the fluff taste sweeter.
Art Title: By the Gryffindor Fireplace
Artist: zhyn
Link: http://snupinsanta.annex-files.com/viewstory.php?sid=53
Rating: G
Pairing: Severus Snape/Remus Lupin
Why I fangirl this: Remus is a hep 70's dude. The fire! The tree! The bit of skin that Snape is showing!
Title: A Cup Of Kindness Yet
Author: odogoddess
Link: http://snupinsanta.annex-files.com/viewstory.php?sid=368
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Severus Snape/Remus Lupin
Status: complete, 2 chapters
Summary: Victoria era AU, non-magic. Snape and Lupin spend Christmas together.
Why I fangirl this: I'm not a huge fan of non-magicals, because most of the time, if you change the character names, you can't tell it's HP anymore. A Cup of Kindness is one of the few exceptions - the characterization is perfect and the story itself is beautifully written and well-researched. Also the footnotes are awesome (I love good footnotes).
Art Title: Thanksgiving Orphans, Cheers
Artist: Charles/Burrows/Charles Productions, Bill & Cheri Steinkellner (writers)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgZjqa4RrLE
Rating: PG
Pairing: gen; Sam/Diane
Why I fangirl this: Not fanart, not Harry Potter, but here for a purpose. One you'll divine when you read the next story.
Title: Your Heart Is Full of Unwashed Socks
Author: McKay
Link: http://remembrall.slashcity.net/viewstory.php?sid=101
Rating: PG
Pairing: Severus Snape/Remus Lupin
Status: complete, one-shot
Summary: Remus wants his friends and loved ones to come together for a special meal on Christmas Day in the spirit of peace on earth and good will to men. Severus knows better.
Why I fangirl this: The title is awesomesauce. The characterization is spot-on. And the denouement is sweet without being too sweet.
Art Title: Harry Potter Christmas Special
Artist: sandyledandy
Link: http://fav.me/d1674j6
Rating: G
Pairing: Gen
Why I fangirl this: Singing house-elves for the win!
Title: Magic and Miracles
Author: oldenuf2nb
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/hd_holidays/144771.html
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy
Status: complete, one-shot
Summary: Christmas has long been the season of miracles, which is a very good thing when you find yourself in need of one.
Why I fangirl this: I love stories where Harry gets the family life he deserves, no matter who his partner is. This one is a little more bittersweet than most domestics, but the gratitude befits the season.
Art Title: In Knead
Artist: red_rahl
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/hd_holidays/98217.html
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy
Why I fangirl this: Did you not see Harry's apron? Plus, I love baking and punny titles. Speaking of baking...
Rich & Chewy Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies
Temp: 350 F
Bake Time: 12 - 15 minutes
Yield: 30 - 36
2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 tsp each: salt and cinnamon
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
1. Preheat oven. By hand or mixer, blend together butter, brown sugar and honey. Add egg and vanilla, mix well. In a large bowl, stir together flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; add to butter mixture and stir until well combined. Stir in remaining ingrediants.
2. Place generous 1 inch scoops of dough 2 inches apart on parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake in center of oven until edges are lightly browned and centers are still soft, about 12 - 15 minutes (do NOT overbake) Transfer to wire rack, cool completely.
Title: Happy Christmas, Lord Voldemort
Author: starmom
Link: http://thepetulantpoetess.com/viewstory.php?sid=7957
Rating: PG
Pairing: Gen, Lord Voldemort
Status: complete, one-shot
Summary: The minions gather to decide on the Dark Lord's Christmas gift. Winner of Phoenix Rising's 2007 Mistletoe and Mayhem Challenge.
Why I fangirl this: Well, I didn't know that Lord Voldemort was the Undefeated Scrabble Champion of Great Britain. Learn something new every day. Imagine a meeting to decide on the boss's Christmas gift. You're laughing already, aren't you?
Art Title: Merry Old Santa
Artist: Thomas Nash
Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MerryOldSanta.jpg
Rating: G
Pairing: gen, none
Why I fangirl this: Not Harry Potter again, but the next story inspired me to look this art up, simply because Snape compares Dumbledore to it. I love it when Snape is wickedly observant.
Title: The Christmas Gift
Author: snarkywench
Link: http://owl.tauri.org/stories.php?psid=1926
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Severus Snape/Hermione Granger
Status: complete, two chapters
Summary: Snape forgoes his usual celebration of the season in order to help another in need.
Why I fangirl this: It's snarkywench, right? And Christmas. And Severus in love.
Art Title: You're a Mean One, Professor Snape
Artist: the flying pumpkin
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW2YOrRj7Zg
Rating: G
Pairing: Gen, Severus Snape
Why I fangirl this: Hey, watch it! You got Snape in my Seuss! You got Seuss in my Snape! Two great tastes that go together. Like peanut butter and chocolate.
Title: How Severus Stole Christmas
Author: Elizabeth
Link: http://thepetulantpoetess.com/viewstory.php?sid=12194
Rating: PG
Pairing: Severus Snape/Hermione Granger
Status: complete, one-shot
Summary: Severus hated Christmas, the entire Yule season. Please don't ask why, no wizard quite knows the reason.
Why I fangirl this: Hey, watch it! You got Snape in my Seuss! You got Seuss in my Snape! Two great tastes that go together. Like peanut butter and chocolate.
Art Title: Zomg, Christmas with a Ferret
Artist: wackykittyyan
Link: http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=§ion=&q=draco+hermione+christmas#/df2rpz
Rating: G
Pairing: Draco Malfoy (ferret)/Hermione Granger
Why I fangirl this: Oh, tee to the hee! Look at the ferret's expression - so very Draco.
Title: For the Girl Who Has Everything
Author: kate0404
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/pphp_challenge/2033.html
Rating: PG
Pairing: Harry Potter/Pansy Parkinson
Status: complete, one-shot
Summary: No, not every man was living with the Wizarding world's fashionista. Not every man was engaged to the woman who knew everything about everyone. Not every man was getting ready to marry the woman who had everything. No, only one man named Harry Potter could be that lucky.
Why I fangirl this: Kate deftly illustrates the stress of shopping for gifts, in a manner that makes me giggle with glee while reading. Mushy ending is a bonus.
Art Title: Where's your Christmas spirit
Artist: caycowa
Link: http://fav.me/dfqhz2
Rating: G
Pairing: Gen, Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore
Why I fangirl this: Snape's expression is awesome. And the dialogue is perfection.
Title: Letters to Father Christmas
Author: Meltha/Bookishwench
Link: http://owl.tauri.org/stories.php?psid=14771
Rating: G
Pairing: gen
Status: complete; drabble-ish series
Summary: Let's pretend that in the world of Harry Potter, Father Christmas is real. These might be the letters the characters might write to the old gentleman.
Why I fangirl this: My favourites are the letters by Moody and Pince, but the rest are by turns sweet and funny as well. Truly an inspired series.
Art Title: Harry Potter Christmas
Artist: frostyshark
Link: http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=§ion=&q=+harry+potter+christmas#/d2r1ggr
Rating: G
Pairing: Gen, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ronald Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Fred and George Weasley
Why I fangirl this: Ron is such an adorable doofus. The shading and linework is lovely.
So there you have it: twenty-five days of Christmas, plus Boxing Day (Hey, Harry Potter is British, yanno). Or, thirteen paired gifts of art and story to grow wee hearts three sizes bigger.