Recs from H/D/S Beltane - H/D fics and a couple of pics
hds_beltane is such a high quality fest, and doesn’t seem to have as many readers as the works merit, so I’m posting some recs before reveals. All of these are well-written, and many are funny as well - I’ll start with a few that aren’t primarily humorous.
Love, Like Hate, Has Many Guises (H/D, NC-17, 24,500 words) This wins my “Wow, How Did You Do That?” award. It turned my head around and made a potentially squicky topic understandable, sympathetic and moving. It’s a healing story that has stayed with me, but far from a light read, so if you need warnings, read and heed them. Harry is an Auror called in on a domestic violence case where Draco is the victim. Harry has his own issues around intimacy, his own secrets and vulnerability. The voice for Harry’s point of view is pitch-perfect.
Bad Faith in Name, But Gracious in Nature (H/D, R, 13,300 words) Harry needs access to the Malfoy library to counter a curse that's decimating the children of Wizarding Britain, but Draco says he can only have it for a price - helping restore Draco's reputation to further his political agenda. I particularly enjoyed interactions between this complex, thoughtful Draco and realistic 7 year old Teddy.
The Shining Courts (H/D, R, 31,500 words) Harry and Draco reluctantly team up to seek a rare and urgently needed potion ingredient. It leads them on a wild and perilous chase through the Faerie Otherworld, where they encounter magic very different from the type they’re familiar with. Lyrical and highly imaginative descriptions of the magic of the Faerie courts.
Recast (H/D, NC-17, 18,400 words) Post-epilogue, post-divorces. Deft portrayal of a diffident and self-absorbed Draco, more aware of his own failings than of the feelings of others, who nonetheless makes an effort for the people he cares about. He works as a Pensieve Archivist for the Ministry and gets tangled up in a serial murder case; Harry is a brusque Auror who investigates.
Now some notable for wit and/or humor…
there’s a trick with a dragon I’m learning to do (H/D, R, 20,000 words) Witty and topical story of an established “live-in” relationship, written with precision and verve. Harry is an Auror back from a trying case who just wants a sexy welcome home; Draco is a sharp-tongued, workaholic wizard of high finance. Hilarious sub-plot involving Snape’s portrait, Kreacher, the sweetly blurry lady in the Impressonist landscape painting, and a sexy Quidditch card.
And Into the Fire (H/D, PG, 7,250 words) What’s Hermione being so bossy about, why’s Draco talking out of his arse, and why’s Harry responding in Parseltongue? Just what exactly happened on the night of Beltane? Fun and a bit creature-cracky with many excellent lines.
A Battle in the War (H/D, NC-17, 7,000 words) Sparky and inventive writing. Draco’s shagging Harry and trying to protect the reckless git, but perhaps not understanding him so well. Many excellent lines.
Broom, Bee and Rose (H/D, R, 15,000 words) Features a mystery plot, some interesting magical detail, a novel twist on Weasley family history, and an unexpected villain, along with lots of fine snarking from our boys as reluctant Auror partners.
Harry Potter and the Missing Malfoy (H/D, R, 6,000 words) Finally, Harry’s not an Auror! In fact, he’s bar-tender at the Leaky Cauldron, and it’s a fun read.
ART (G or PG, as it happens)
Infinity Circles (H/D, G) Sweet H/D by a blossoming tree, with a gorgeous glow of sunset all around.
May and Green in Beltane (H/S, PG) My one Snarry rec for this fest! Harry all garlanded in May-time blooms, and a calm Snape (handsome with an aquiline nose), intent and tender, in the spring greenery.
Enjoy!
Love, Like Hate, Has Many Guises (H/D, NC-17, 24,500 words) This wins my “Wow, How Did You Do That?” award. It turned my head around and made a potentially squicky topic understandable, sympathetic and moving. It’s a healing story that has stayed with me, but far from a light read, so if you need warnings, read and heed them. Harry is an Auror called in on a domestic violence case where Draco is the victim. Harry has his own issues around intimacy, his own secrets and vulnerability. The voice for Harry’s point of view is pitch-perfect.
Bad Faith in Name, But Gracious in Nature (H/D, R, 13,300 words) Harry needs access to the Malfoy library to counter a curse that's decimating the children of Wizarding Britain, but Draco says he can only have it for a price - helping restore Draco's reputation to further his political agenda. I particularly enjoyed interactions between this complex, thoughtful Draco and realistic 7 year old Teddy.
The Shining Courts (H/D, R, 31,500 words) Harry and Draco reluctantly team up to seek a rare and urgently needed potion ingredient. It leads them on a wild and perilous chase through the Faerie Otherworld, where they encounter magic very different from the type they’re familiar with. Lyrical and highly imaginative descriptions of the magic of the Faerie courts.
Recast (H/D, NC-17, 18,400 words) Post-epilogue, post-divorces. Deft portrayal of a diffident and self-absorbed Draco, more aware of his own failings than of the feelings of others, who nonetheless makes an effort for the people he cares about. He works as a Pensieve Archivist for the Ministry and gets tangled up in a serial murder case; Harry is a brusque Auror who investigates.
Now some notable for wit and/or humor…
there’s a trick with a dragon I’m learning to do (H/D, R, 20,000 words) Witty and topical story of an established “live-in” relationship, written with precision and verve. Harry is an Auror back from a trying case who just wants a sexy welcome home; Draco is a sharp-tongued, workaholic wizard of high finance. Hilarious sub-plot involving Snape’s portrait, Kreacher, the sweetly blurry lady in the Impressonist landscape painting, and a sexy Quidditch card.
And Into the Fire (H/D, PG, 7,250 words) What’s Hermione being so bossy about, why’s Draco talking out of his arse, and why’s Harry responding in Parseltongue? Just what exactly happened on the night of Beltane? Fun and a bit creature-cracky with many excellent lines.
A Battle in the War (H/D, NC-17, 7,000 words) Sparky and inventive writing. Draco’s shagging Harry and trying to protect the reckless git, but perhaps not understanding him so well. Many excellent lines.
Broom, Bee and Rose (H/D, R, 15,000 words) Features a mystery plot, some interesting magical detail, a novel twist on Weasley family history, and an unexpected villain, along with lots of fine snarking from our boys as reluctant Auror partners.
Harry Potter and the Missing Malfoy (H/D, R, 6,000 words) Finally, Harry’s not an Auror! In fact, he’s bar-tender at the Leaky Cauldron, and it’s a fun read.
ART (G or PG, as it happens)
Infinity Circles (H/D, G) Sweet H/D by a blossoming tree, with a gorgeous glow of sunset all around.
May and Green in Beltane (H/S, PG) My one Snarry rec for this fest! Harry all garlanded in May-time blooms, and a calm Snape (handsome with an aquiline nose), intent and tender, in the spring greenery.
Enjoy!