“Yeah?” is all Harry asks, and it’s the sun caught on his tongue, stars spilling from his fingertips.

“Yes. Always yes, for you,” Draco says as he brings them to the end of their dance, and they stand fixed in the middle of the library, surrounded by the beautiful things they’ve created together.

all the stars in the sky by @softlystarstruck​ (1.2k, rated G)

happy birthday, my dear sweet friend💕

25 days, 25 different podficcers recording this lovely Drarry fic by softlystarstruck. Subscribe to get a little joy every day!

the call of sweet things (E, approx 5-6 hours when it's done)

Draco's happy with his quiet, lonely life in Woolbury, spending his days working at Pen Pals and keeping his already tidy flat spotless. But when Harry Potter shows up with pink hair and secrets about his magic, Draco’s carefully upheld balance falls apart. He doesn’t quite know how he ends up decorating Harry's cottage, drinking unreasonable amounts of cocoa, and laughing more than he’s laughed in years, but it's Christmas, after all– and he finally has a chance to set things right.

Thanks to @melcarrianna for organizing and editing and the beautiful artwork!

what husbands are for

softlystarstruck @softlystarstruck

Chapters: 18/18 Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter Additional Tags: Arranged Marriage, Political Alliances, Werewolf Harry Potter, Vampire Draco Malfoy, Trust Issues, Tension, Getting to Know Each Other, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Loneliness, Trans Male Harry Potter, Trans Male Draco Malfoy, Blood Drinking, Mating Bites, Chronic Pain, Magical prosthetic limbs, alcohol mention, Television Watching, Hair Braiding, Non-Sexual Intimacy, Living Together, Explicit Sexual Content, Trans Sex, Possessive Harry Potter, Slow Burn, First Kiss, Hurt/Comfort, Mild Blood, Falling In Love, Happy Ending, Autistic Draco Malfoy, Autistic Harry Potter, HD Fangfest 2022

Summary:

To settle tensions between werewolves and vampires, Harry volunteers for a political marriage. But it turns out he's marrying Malfoy– cold, untouchable Malfoy, who he hasn't seen in ten years. Throughout contention and politics, werewolf pub nights and grudgingly shared meals, they have to make it work. And in the midst of it all, Harry finds something he already gave up hoping for.

Excerpt:

“Draco,” Harry says, helplessly tender. He’s still just standing in the doorway. His throat is tight with affection. He isn’t thinking at all. “I adore you.”

Draco goes unnaturally still, looking like he’s been slapped. The wand drops out of his hand and onto the covers, but the sparks continue to twinkle around him. “Don’t lie to me.”

“I didn’t–” Harry pauses as Draco’s response sinks in. He swallows down the words I didn’t mean to say that, and instead makes a choice. “I’m not lying.”

“Don’t lie to me,” Draco repeats, a bit more frantic, curling into himself on the bed. His eyes are impossibly wide and fixed on Harry.

“I do adore you,” Harry says as he moves closer, cautious like he would be with a wounded animal. “In every way you can imagine. I wouldn’t lie to you, Draco. Not about anything, but especially not this.”

“I know.” Draco’s voice is small now, but his eyes haven’t left Harry’s face. “I know you’re not lying. That’s why I’m afraid.”

Harry’s breath catches. He’s never heard Draco admit that before. I’m afraid.

“It’s just me,” Harry reminds him gently. He lowers himself onto the bed in front of Draco, giving him space. “You don’t have to be scared. It’s just me. Nothing has to change. I know that my feelings are so big, too big most of the time. I know how to handle it, and I’ve already been handling it, so we can just–”

Draco reaches up, buries his hands in Harry’s loose curls, and kisses him.

Harry’s hands come up before he even realizes what’s happening, cradling Draco’s delicate jaw. Warmth pools in his stomach at the feeling of Draco’s smooth, cold lips, and then Harry realizes he should kiss back, so he does, insistent and a bit frantic. Draco makes a whimpering sound and topples over backwards, bringing Harry with him, and they’re��still kissing.

“Hold on,” Harry gasps, pulling away from Draco when his body finally insists that he needs to breathe. His glasses are smudged from Draco’s cheek. “I have to– hah– catch my breath. Just give me a moment. I forgot you don’t need to breathe.” He moves his face to the crook of Draco’s neck, waiting until his lungs are no longer protesting so much. Draco’s body is completely covered by Harry’s, and Harry is hyper aware of it, keeping himself braced on his elbows so he doesn’t accidentally crush his husband.

Harry inhales. They kissed.

Exhale. Draco kissed him.

Draco kissed him first.

₍՞◌′ᵕ‵ू◌₎♡

hello! i’ve been trying to find a drarry fic. what i can remember is that it is set in 8th year and drarry are roommates. it’s post war and draco is always cold as a result from crucio damage during the war. one scene from the fic i can remember is that draco attempts to cut his hair but it results badly and harry finds him in the tub in their room. (draco lives). another thing i remember is that draco was mute but started to slowly speak as the fic went on

We believe you are looking for to be a bit of warmth (for you) by @softlystarstruck (9k, M)

Don’t forget to bookmark, leave kudos and comments!

Get ready for all the December recs!!!! Thanks to @hprecfest 😍👏

DAY ONE!

Prompt: A favorite fic under 5k words

Darling, You’re Wiggling by louisfake, softlystarstruck

Teen and up

4,769 words

ENJOY!!!

A series in which I ask my mutuals for fanwork recs, and then come back and tell you why I loved them. Any chance you have something to rec (the criteria are virtually non-existent)? Please, please send it on. Here is my original ask with more info.

I Was Recced:

As The Lights Lift Around Us by @zeziliazink [Drarry | M | 25.6k]

“What?” Draco said, finally looking Potter in the eye. Potter’s eyes were wide and green below his raised eyebrows. It must have been the lenses of his glasses sharpening the flecks of color in his irises, because they were almost shimmering in the light of the hundred-year old sconce on the brick wall behind Draco’s head, and oh fuck, he was still looking Potter in the eye, what the fuck, how was he supposed to get out of this, now?  In which our heroes become reacquainted in a pub, spend a whole day together that turns into night, and then...? Featuring a minor freakout (Draco), a brand new song (Harry), and affectionate exasperation (all of their friends). Will Draco figure his shit out before Harry gives up? Will Harry survive the Venomous Tentacula? Will Draco ever decide which tea he wants? Will Harry's HooTube commenters ever forgive him for falling in love?

As the Lights is a stark departure from last week's read: Open Fire by Slytherco. With tags like "musician!Harry", "flying teapots", "lots of blushing", and "lots of grinning", you might expect this fic to be super cute and fluffy--and you would be absolutely right! Zezilia gives us just enough angst in this Enemies-to-Friends-to-Lovers story to make the getting together feel genuine and believable without making us doubt for one second that these boys we love so much will end up happily together. Reading this story made me feel so warm and fuzzy that I inhaled it in a day, and I highly recommend you do so as well! In addition to the classic, very gay trope of the "24 hour date" and musician!Harry's smoldering good looks and endearing friendship with Luna (who fronts a band called Luna Lovegood and the Good Loves !!!!!), there are a couple of specific things I want to shout out about this story:

🐣 Draco Malfoy's Journey to Healing His Inner Child Is there another person, real or fictional, who needs to heal their inner child as much as Draco Malfoy?? Arguably Harry James Potter, but when we meet him in this fic he's well on his way. I love how Zezilia skillfully peppers in all these little but significant ways that Draco is trying--consciously and subconsciously--to re-parent himself and to replace all the vicious, unkind voices that have populated his head for so long. His mirror has the voice and personality of someone's doting grandmum, for goodness' sake! But beyond that, we get to witness Draco learning how to allow himself to be earnest, to openly enjoy the things he likes, and to be a little weird! It helps that he has two of the world's best friends, Sophie and Ravi (Zezilia's OCs), to encourage and support him. Honestly, I desperately want a Sophie. It's so gratifying to watch Draco not only love himself for who he really is, but learn that other people will love his true self, too.

🧙🏻‍♂️ The Wonder of the Wizarding World I adore the ways that Zezilia has woven the most magical parts of the wizarding world through this story. The way that they use magic to embellish scenes and complicate the characters lives is so delightful. Whether it's a particularly bawdy painting of a shepherd tending his flock (and other things), the most magical sounding café with Cheering Charm-infused pastries, or a magical park full of animated (and also bawdy!) statues, Zezilia doesn't hold back on the whimsy!

And a bonus: this fic is pro-Hot!Neville, and so am I. So very much.

If you read this (or have read it), let me know what you think!!

*

I Was Recced As The Lights Lift Around Us by @softlystarstruck, so I read:

morning light [victuuri | G | 1.8k]

A cozy winter morning, and a new term of endearment.

Okay, so technically speaking I have read everything Bee has ever written--much of it several times--which means this was a (blissful) re-read for me. I've gushed about my favorite stories Bee has written before (starlight (the unsuccessful return of a runaway prince), to be a bit of warmth (for you), you bring me home, their kinktober 2021 collection, for starters) but I have yet to really rec this one. Since most of my mutuals will be familiar with the way Bee writes our favorite boys, Draco and Harry, I am here to implore you to dig into their Yuri!!! on Ice fics on AO3, even if you aren't familiar with the source material!

Bee takes all the tenderness, care, and intimacy which which they write their Drarry stories and carefully molds it to fit these two lovely, anxious men. What I love most about Bee's writing is that they are able to gently pick up two characters, see right to the heart of them, and then translate all their deepest desires and fears right onto the page in beautiful prose (and sometimes verse!). This means that while morning light feels undeniably "Bee" in its tone, pacing, and use of endearments, the relationship between Viktor and Yuuri is unique and so true to their characters. Viktor (off-screen) is bold and confident and commanding, while Yuuri (everywhere, all the time) is anxious, self-effacing, and unsure. In this close, intimate moment Bee manages to capture all of their facets, allows them to let their guards down, and helps them to grow even closer to one another. This fic is warm, quiet, blushy, and so, so lovely!

Thanks for sending me a recommendation!

Happiest of Fridays and Warmest of Welcomes to our guest, @softlystarstruck. I am so excited for them to join us in the library today!

I first loved Bee for their own brilliant prose, but quickly fell in love with their softly reading weekly rec lists (due to time constraints they aren't currently creating new lists - understandable! But be sure to search their tag “softly reading” to find their previous lists) Bee's blog is aptly named because they bring a sense of soft love and acceptance to everything they write or rec - everytime I visit their blog I feel like my heart is taking a deep breath and I'm able to find a moment of peace. I knew they'd be a great guest for the library and I've been so excited to see what lovely fic they'd share with us. They didn't disappoint me, and they wont disappoint you either, so without further ado, I'll let Bee give their fic rec!

Hello and happy Friday!

I’m so excited the Librarian asked me to collaborate on a rec–I’ve found so many fantastic fics through their thoughtful rec lists. When they reached out to me, I was at a loss for what to talk about, because I read a lot of fic. But then I started thinking about fics that hold a special place in my heart, fics that I come back to over and over like I’m reaching for a hand-knit blanket in the winter, and I knew exactly which one I wanted to bring to Happy Hour:

To Vanish Into Something Better by the fantastic @m0srael (35,094 words, rated E)

Harry Potter thought he could outrun the burden of infamy by isolating himself in the Muggle world. Draco Malfoy hasn’t been seen or heard from since his trial. Will a top-secret Ministry project, a beautiful garden, and a little heat carry them both home?

This fic was written for H/D Erised 2021, and I was lucky enough to help with it and see Mose build this story from the ground up. Through careful plot points and beautiful prose, Mose creates a lush, evocative, and mysterious environment at the Manor that stands in stark contrast to Harry’s life at the beginning of the story. Here are just a few reasons this fic is one of my favorites: 

⭑ The magical theory is absolutely stunning.

Mose never fails to write creative magical theory, and this fic is no exception. As Harry grows into his career as a magical architect, we get to experience the possibilities of magical structures, like these charms that can be built into a home: “a laundry charm specifically designed to sort clean clothes by owner, a charm for the entryway that recognizes each family member’s magical signature and announces their arrival.” Additionally, the natural magic that Harry encounters is so vivid you can nearly smell the blossoms and feel the soft grass underfoot. Magic works in distinct and varied ways throughout this story, always humming underneath the characters' daily lives or surging to the surface at critical moments. 

⭑ Harry’s growth as a character is wonderfully hopeful.

At the beginning of this story, Harry is not in contact with his loved ones and has just broken up with his Muggle boyfriend. He’s at a low point, overwhelmed and alone, and focuses on his work to stay afloat. However, as the storyline of this fic flourishes, so does Harry’s happiness. Mose writes Harry realistically struggling to find his place, but it is always threaded through with a tenacious sense of hope for something better. If you need the comfort of a hard-earned happy ending, this fic is perfect– Mose guides you through the highs and lows with a steady, careful hand.

⭑ There is mystery! And intrigue!

I won’t elaborate too much on this point for fear of spoilers, but if you love a Ministry with obscure intentions and Harry being absolutely baffled by a reclusive (and long-haired and gorgeous) Draco, this is the fic for you. It’s so satisfying to uncover the truth of everything right alongside Harry, and the climax of this story absolutely blows me away no matter how many times I reread it. 

⭑ The prose is stunning. 

Pretty much all I’ve got for this is a quote: “The early morning sun streams over the horizon and in through the window above the kitchen sink, warm and honey-gold. Draco squints his eyes as the long, drooping catkins of the hazel tree outside waver on the wind like dancing caterpillars and send showers of light dripping across his face.” This story is full of beautiful, sense-filled imagery that lingers like warmth on a late spring afternoon. 

I could go on and on about this fic, but instead you should just go and experience it for yourself! If you love it as much as I do, don’t forget to leave kudos, drop a comment, and check out Mose’s many other works. Also, take a look at this beautiful artwork by the talented @helle-bored! Thank you again to the Librarian for inviting me to Happy Hour, and for all the hard work they do 💖

If you enjoyed this rec and want to find more recs by guests, check out the Friends of the Library page at the top of my blog!

A big thank you again to @softlystarstruck for this incredible rec - one that I haven't read yet (but am eager to start!)

❤️ As always, if you find a fic you enjoy, please remember to leave the author a kudos or a comment! ❤️

Lots of Love and Happy Friday!

Hey-yo, we are doing it again!!!!! This year, 24 of us from around the world take turns reading a chapter of The Call of Sweet Things by softlystarstruck. It's such an honor to be a part of this project and to read such an amazing piece of work! Thank you to everyone involved for having me!

It's an advent project, so come back daily for more chapters!

1:40 AM (T, 4,966 words) by @softlystarstruck

12:31 am: hey Draco stares at his mobile. He stares at the time, then the word hey, then the contact name at the top of the screen, changed in a fit of clarity during the period of time Draco spent not moving from the sofa: DO NOT!!!!!!!!!!!! Lightning flashes quicksilver outside, followed immediately by a crack of thunder, and Draco burrows further under the covers, his mobile screen illuminating the pillow. He isn't going to cry.

Because it's currently TRYING to storm here, I thought this would be a perfect fic rec for @gameofdrarry's Wizard Hearts. This was full of that late night heartbroken longing and regret, followed by a very sweet reconciliation. The feelings in this story are so true to life, and the hesitant conversation in Draco's apartment is SO GOOD. This pulled my heart out of my chest and threw it on the ground, and then Harry's cat curled around it to cuddle me. Truly, the ~vibes~ are immaculate in this one.

btw - you can still join Wizard Hearts until July 15! it's such great fun, come join us please!!

Drarry Art + Fic: luminous

Title: luminous Author: @softlystarstruck Artist(s): @pato-roldnart Pairing(s): Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter Other Key Characters: Ginny (Gin) Weasley Rating: Teen Word Count: 13.7k Art Medium: Digital Era: Post-War Content/Warnings: Friends to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Forced isolation together, Sharing a Bed, Domesticity, First Kiss, Confessions, Trans Male Harry Potter, Nonbinary Draco Malfoy, Discussions of gender, Brief allusions to dysphoria, Discussion of top surgery scars, Fashion, Draco wearing a dress, Trans Male Ginny Weasley, Magical Creatures, Gardening, Picnics, Texting, Parseltongue, Giving up a pet Summary: It wasn't exactly Draco's plan to be alone with Harry Potter, the crushing weight of their own feelings, and a possibly blood-thirsty baby serpent for the next two weeks. But with Mario Kart, fashion shows, and some conversation, maybe it won't be quite as disastrous as they expect. Author’s Notes: i'm so happy i got to work with pato on this fic, their art is so stunning as usual! much love to everyone who helped with this story : ) Artist’s Notes: Bee!!!, I'm so grateful that you wrote this lovely fic. I was curious to see how you'd interpret the blue serpent and I love everything about it!! my heart melted with all this cuteness and tenderness. I'm so happy about how you pictured Draco and Harry!! I don't have enough words to describe how much I like them, I wanted to draw them in every single outfit you described. Thank you Bee!

And Thank you to our dear mods for taking the time to organise the Bang, I had so much fun ❤️

FIC AND ART POST ON AO3

ART POST ON AO3

Hey Hey Hey Hey Remember when @softlystarstruck wrote an incredible Space Drarry AU? With banter, and one bed, and incredible sex, and laughter? Bee was kind enough to let me read it for you!!! I'm over the MOON! LOOK LOOK LOOK

art for like freedom by @softlystarstruck (and me 💕) for HD Wireless 2022. see all six pieces and read the fic on Ao3 here.

Maybe it wasn't a single moment at all, but a whole series of them, captured with Harry's camera.

Non-binary Draco Malfoy btw. If you even care.

In honour of Transgender Day of Visibility here are a few of my fave fics with trans characters. I've limited myself to one work per creator, but I strongly recommend checking out their profiles for all their other incredible works.

The world is crazy and scary, but we have always been here and always will be. Our love will always be stronger than their hate.

A Study in Opposites by @cavendishbutterfly - E, 11k, Hermione/Harry, Drarry. Trans female Harry, gender nonconforming Draco

A Foundation On Which to Build by @beyondtheclose - T, 20k, drarry, trans Harry, genderfluid Draco, trans Lily Evans

Of Magical Beings Being - Magic by @rockingrobin69 - E, 30k, drarry, trans Harry

About This Place by @academicdisasterfic - E, 10k, drarry, trans Harry, gender nonconforming Draco

Into the Fire by @aneiria-writes - M, 4k, Draco/Charlie, trans Draco

Cherry Lips and Black Curls by @fvckyouimaprophet - E, 1.6k, Jegulus, trans male Regulus, trans female James

Love is a Dress you Wear by @deliciousblizzardshark - E, 17k, drarry, draco/harry/Severus Snape, trans female Severus, nonbinary Teddy Lupin

Intervention by Bendersalt - T, 12k, Harry/Tonks, trans female Harry

The Treehouse Near Primrose Downs by @softlystarstruck - M, 14k, drarry, trans Harry, trans Draco

They by @vdoshu - G, 1k, nonbinary Percy Weasley

The Scars You Choose by @lqtraintracks - E, 927, drarry, trans Harry, trans Draco

Umbrella Relief by @piarelei - G, 666, drarry, nonbinary Harry

The Pirate and His Gentleman by @babooshkart - G, art, drarry, trans Harry, trans Draco

The Island Assignment by @makeitp1nk - E, 10k, drarry, trans female Draco

When You're A Man by iamisaac - T, 2.4k, Jeddy, genderfluid James

From The Same Cloth by @corvuscrowned - T, 8k, drarry, trans male Draco, trans female Harry

The fic was on Ao3, and it takes place in 8th year. Draco had gone to azkaban for a little so he was place in a dorm with Harry, a certain detail i can remember is that Draco was always cold, and he has like a meltdown and cuts his hair in fear of looking like his father. i believe it was a one shot,

We believe you are looking for to be a bit of warmth (for you) by @softlystarstruck (9k, M)

Don’t forget to bookmark, leave kudos and comments!

Hello!  I had the pleasure to do more art for @softlystarstruck lovely, sweet, beautiful fic “Luminous”  for  @harrydracobang

I’m so happy I could work with Bee and create some drarry art with nonbinary Draco wearing beautiful dresses and trans Harry with fancy cool clothes 🥺🥺🥺 😭✨❤️ . I wanted to draw them in every single outfit Bee described. 

You can see the art on AO3 as well