Eighth Year Drarry Recs

Eighth Year Drarry Recs

I was compiling a list for a friend's new Drarry recruit, and I decided to slap it up here for anyone else looking for some good 8th year Drarry fics. I had to be very strict with myself because otherwise half this list would've been bixgirl1 fics. Yes, I am a shameless fan of her work, and it is rare that a Drarry rec list by me doesn't have at least one of hers. So you're welcome for my show of restraint. Haha. Anyway, these are all explicit because I like smut, but most of them are more plot driven and just happen to have very hot smut as a bonus. They aren't in any particular order, but they are all five star recs off my master list. Oh, and the titles are links to the stories on AO3. Now onto the fics!

Year 8 Recs

In Evidence of Magical Theory by bixgirl1 (E, 43k)

Thoughts: The detail that went into the theory of magical cores and how Harry's and Draco's were represented by their respective elements and the way they each experienced the other's as they explored their link was mind-blowing and so impressive. I was enchanted by the way they crashed together and the constant thrum of their classic push and pull made me smile throughout the entire fic. The smut was on fire, but the true draw of a bixgirl1 fic is the depth of the emotions. Amazing work and a must-read.

Helix by Saras_Girl (E, 92k)

Thoughts: There were so many points in this story that I laughed until I nearly cried and just as many that I actually did tear up a little. The author's characterizations were spot on, and I especially loved Harry's helpless sort of slide into desperately wanting to be Draco's friend, then inevitably falling for him. The frost snails were so neat, and I adored Solomon! He's one of my new favorite Drarry pets ever. The portrayal of Draco's grief for Snape was touching and made me cry more than once. This is one of my favorites. I highly recommend it.

Dragon Heartstrings by JET_Playin (E, 23k)

Thoughts: I liked how the author covered Draco's experience with seeing the red strings throughout the years, briefly touching on his early childhood and skipping through his years at Hogwarts before settling into the meat of the story during his and Harry's eighth year at school. It was nice to have that history even in a streamlined fashion before we jumped right into them growing closer after the war. I loved how they wrote Draco. His remorse felt very genuine while retaining his prickly personality. I loved the warmth the Golden Trio exuded toward him, especially Harry's easy affection in the beginning. When Harry got awkward I instantly saw it was that weird bumbling way he (and Neville is so right about this) as a dork would be with someone he had a crush on. Poor Draco just couldn't even fathom that being true, and it made things so much harder than they had to be. But the journey to get to the happy ending was the best part. Loved this!

Say My Name by Thunderbird587 (E, 199k)

Thoughts: This is one of my favorite 8th year fics ever. I loved Harry's fixation on Draco after hearing him say his name while wanking in the shower. The slow build of their relationship was just lovely, and I really enjoyed Harry's apprenticeship helping him figure out what he wanted from life. I definitely recommend this. It's an amazing read.

Two Trees by LakeWitch (E, 36k)

Thoughts: I related to Draco's anxiety so much, and the descriptions of his panic felt very genuine to my experience. I also thought that the unexpected peace he found in nature was lovely, and the descriptions of the lake and the woods were all so nicely done that even reading them I felt like it was a little easier to breathe right here in my living room! Draco’s characterization was my favorite here, but they were all well written. I loved how much this fic made me feel a full range of emotions. The author's style was delightful, and I really can’t say enough good things about this fic. It's one of my favorite 8th year fics ever, and I highly recommend it.

The Only True Goal of the Universe by punk_rock_yuppie (E, 22k)

Thoughts: I loved the characterizations of all the characters, particularly Harry and Draco. Harry's respectful approach to Draco's transition, asking him about preferences and checking in with him often during sex was very nicely done and made me incredibly happy to see. The smut was so, so hot, and I loved the explicit and enthusiastic consent practiced throughout each of their encounters. Their banter was fantastic throughout the whole fic. This was such an enjoyable read. I definitely recommend it.

Lumos by birdsofshore (E, 41k)

Thoughts: The writing style is fantastic, the banter between Harry and Draco is spot on, and the emotion conveyed in the story had me thrumming with happiness by the end. This is one of the best 8th year fics out there, bar none. I've read it several times and undoubtedly will do so again.

Things Worth Knowing by Femme & noeon (E, 164k)

Thoughts: The characterizations of Harry and Draco were both spot on. I adored Ravi and Omolade, as well. The slow development of Harry and Draco's relationship in this was incredibly well done. This is one of my favorite Eighth Year stories ever, and I cried more than once. Amazing storytelling. I highly recommend it.

You Look the Way I Feel by yourdifferentoctober (E, 108k)

Thoughts: I loved the way the author handled Draco's trauma. It felt very genuine and not overdone. Harry's as well, for that matter. I liked how their feelings were so similar, but they both dealt with it in very different ways. The way they slowly came together was so lovely, and Harry's possessive/protective behavior of Draco was just hitting all my buttons. The smut was superb. This is definitely a favorite of mine.

Catching the Niffler by keyflight790 & tsundanire (E, 10k)

Thoughts: Jesus fucking Christ, I had to scrape myself up off of the floor after this one! I was nothing but a pile of goo afterward. Eighth year party games is such a good trope, and Catch the Niffler is a rad new game to add to the list. Hot damn! Blaise had me cackling like a loon the whole time he was center stage, be it issuing a dare or performing his own. The Drarry was hot as fuck, with a perfect moment of tenderness at the end. You know it's gonna be good when nearly all of the tags are smutty. Haha.

there’s no rule as to how big or how small you’re allowed to dream. if you just want a small home and an orange kitchen and four cats that’s just as reasonable of a goal to work for as a big new york penthouse. and if all you really want is a simplistic career that isn’t the center of your life then that’s just as valid as dreaming of becoming a famous fashion designer or ceo. i know everyone keeps urging you to dream big, but dreams can be as simple and small as you want. they’ll always be valid. you decide how you want to live and what kind of life you want, no one else.

Ship Sizes

Supercarrier: fandom flagship.  Everybody and their dog ships it.  The fandom is glutted with artwork and fic.  You cannot escape this ship.

Dreadnought: massively popular.  Nearly everybody ships it.  You can, with dedication, in theory, reach the end of the AO3 archive for the ship’s tag, but it’ll take a long time.

Cruiser: pretty popular ship.  Not everyone ships it, but everyone knows about it.  Has a good amount of fic/art, and probably multiple ask blogs.

Frigate: just plain popular.  Feels like it could use more fanworks.  New people to the fandom might not know about it, but they’ll stumble across it sooner rather than later.

Gunboat: bit of a rarepair.  It might have an ask blog or two.  A couple big name fans ship it.  Probably only takes a few weeks to get through the entire AO3 backlog, and one new fic gets added during that time.

Tugboat: rarepair.  Almost never seen except as a side pairing to a more popular ship.  You can usually get through everything on AO3 in a matter of days.  You’ve forgotten what it is to be picky about what you read.

Rowboat: less than a dozen people ship it.  You all know each other.  You exist in an endless cycle of the same five people desperately producing art and fic and one person who constantly contributes headcanons.

Canoe: you are one of maybe three people who ship it, and there’s a not-insignificant chance you’ve never encountered those other two hypothetical shippers.  You spend your days paddling furiously in hopes of keeping the ship afloat, dreaming of the day you upgrade to a rowboat so you can finally rest.

GWB Mistletoe Exchange 2021/2022 -  Week 2 & 3 Round-Up!

Already week 2 and 3 of the winter @gwbexchange have come and gone!

These five submissions really warmed our hearts and made us giggle. Everyone is so talented! 😍 Here is the gift exchange round-up for weeks 2 and 3: Christmas traditions (G, 606)

Draco had many Christmas traditions over the years, but only one is his favorite.

In the Early Hours (M, 10.7k)

It started with one night, which turned into months, which turned into years. And then, Harry realized he was in over his head.

Wizarding Expectations (Not rated, 7k)

Welcome to the First ever interdepartmental Christmas Party between The Auror Department and the newly established Medi-Wizard Department Featuring: Christmas decor, Secret Santa and under appreciated gifts.

Lights and Candy, Turning Prettily (T, 10.8k)

In which Draco Malfoy pretends to enjoy hot chocolate, Pansy Parkinson quotes the Grinch, Greg Goyle enjoys canapés, and Blaise Zabini says what everyone’s thinking.

Cinnamon, Chocolate, and Pine (T, 7.9k)

After staying at Hogwarts for the winter holiday, Harry just can’t decide how to spend his time. Luckily, he doesn’t need to think too hard - Draco Malfoy decides for him.

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My World is Filled with Cheer and You

Author: Anonymous

Pairings: Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

For: @harrypotterfanfictionwriter​, a_reader_and_writer

Word Count: 9,199

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Content: Christmas Eve, Christmas Party, POV Draco, Smitten Draco, Smitten Harry, Blushing, Getting Together, Meddling, Cute Teddy Lupin, Gift Giving, Christmas Shopping, Children, Family Bonding, Found Family, Draco Deserves Good Things, Accidental Magic, Luna & Draco Friendship, Draco & Ginny Friendship, Boys Kissing, Sweet, Fluff

Warnings: Grief (mentioned but not central)

Summary:

Draco needs to buy Teddy a Christmas present and has put it off to the last minute. He also has no plans for Christmas Eve. A whirlwind of Weasleys (plus Luna) will find him not only with the presents he needs, but also a place to go for the holiday celebration, and a chance to reconnect with Harry and potentially get something he’s been wishing for as well.

Read it now on AO3!

☃ This work is part of H/D Mistletoe, a Gay Wizard Boys server gift exchange. Please help spread the love by sharing your favorite works and leaving kudos and comments. If you would like to join the GWB, you can do so with this link: here. 🌨

love that feels like christmas day

Artist: Anonymous

For: ebbet, @ebbet 

Pairings: Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Medium: Digital Art

Rating: General Audiences

Content: Christmas, Mistletoe, Gingerbread House, Winter, Snow, First Christmas Together, they are in love, hermione definitely took this photo

Warnings: none

Summary:

Draco and Harry celebrate their first Christmas together with snow, gingerbread houses, and a mistletoe

View it now on AO3!

⛄️ This work is part of H/D Mistletoe, a Gay Wizard Boys server gift exchange. Please help spread the love by sharing your favourite works and leaving kudos and comments. If you would like to join the GWB, you can do so with this link: here. 🌨