#erised 2022

Trouble with your tie, Potter? by tenthousandyears

Words: 6.7k Rating: E Category: M/M Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Relationship: Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter Additional Tags: Hogwarts Eighth Year, Enemies to Lovers, Getting Together, Semi-Public Sex, Idiots in Love, Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, Feelings, Top Draco Malfoy, Bottom Harry Potter, Exhibitionism, Sexual Discovery, Gryffindor Tie

The last thing Harry expects when Slughorn partners him up with Zabini is Malfoy shooting them furious looks throughout the whole class and then unceremoniously snogging Harry in the corridor.

The Sound of your Heart | Drarry comic

Here is my @hd-erised 2022 gif for dear @corvuscrowned 

Crow, your comment truly made my day, month, year ♡o(╥﹏╥)o ♥♡ I’m so happy I could bring you some joy and comfort  with this comic when you needed it. Lots of hugs for you! (⊃｡•́‿•̀｡)⊃

Harry is requested to perform a musical piece for a Great Serpent, it can’t be that hard, right? What he does not expect is having to work with an annoying, distracting, good-looking Draco Malfoy.

Thanks to my betas @anzukero , @teawithpotter and @avenueofesc for taking the time and helping me make this mess something coherent  💜💜

Special thanks to my dear friend and cheerleader  @orange-peony for holding my hand throughout these past months, you made this process more enjoyable. 💜

And thanks to our dear @hd-erised mods for their infinite patience and for organising this fest . 🙈 💜💜

for @shiftylinguini and @hd-erised 2022!

PAIRING: DRARRY RATING: E (masturbation, anal sex, brief autoerotic asphyxiation, degradation kink, Dom/sub dynamics) WORDCOUNT: 30K

Read on AO3 here!

TAGS: Fake/Pretend Relationship, Master of Death Harry Potter, Voice of The Historian Draco Malfoy, Level 9 workplace dynamics, Skiing, Switzerland, A Big Fucking Chalet, Harry Potter Has a Temper, Draco Malfoy Just Wants Coffee, Hairless Cats and the Loving Thereof, Cat Dad Draco Malfoy, Size Queen Harry Potter, It’s Fun to Lie to All of Your Friends Zero Moral Crises Will Ensue

SUMMARY:  It’s the Dumbledore’s Army Reunion Holiday, and Harry’s found himself in hot water with his friends once again, after telling them he has a boyfriend he definitely does not have. In an attempt to fix things, he’s made it his colleague on Level Nine, Draco Malfoy’s problem too. Featuring a ski chalet in Switzerland, a pair of bunk beds, and an agreement that should’ve been simple, were it not for all the bloody feelings getting in the way.

wow!! WOW. thank you so so much to all of the @hd-erised​ mods for hosting such an enormous (and enormously fun!) fest. this was my maiden erised voyage, after watching and reading all of the incredible fics that have come from this fest for years. i can’t believe i got to throw my hat in the ring! AHH.  and to get to write for @shiftylinguini​, who is an unbelievable powerhouse of a writer???? reader, we were BUZZIN. shifty, i meant it in my A/N when i said it was an honor to write for you. a gift!! you said in your claim form you like “unique jobs” and i really glommed on tight to that, so much so that there may have to be a second appearance of The Historian at some point in 2023. 

and none -- NONE -- of this could have happened without @wolfpants​ who read this fic and smashed it up in the absolute best way. this story would not be half of what it is without you wolfie, so thank you for your eagle eye, and your ruthless pen, and for bearing with me as i wrote and edited and cried at you across multiple timezones and countries and weddings. 

Meddling, Menswear, and Magic - by @writcraft

Harry/Draco (2022, Mature, 18.7k)

Draco Malfoy is working in a job he hates and avoiding the magical world entirely, but he really is fine. When a bequest from Severus Snape brings Draco back to a much-changed magical world, he must find his place within it and navigate his growing attraction to Harry Potter in the process.

“Being unhappy seems like a good enough reason,” Harry says.

“Maybe I deserved to be unhappy for a while.” Draco meets Harry’s gaze and there’s a raw, open intimacy in it that makes Draco’s stomach flip.

I can’t believe I got obsessed fell in love with another fic as soon as I posted my 2022 wrap up, what is even my life 💀 I haven’t written a proper rec in 84 years and actually felt a bit anxious posting this but whatever, you only live once (or until Jan 3rd when I get back to work) etc etc. As a general rule I prefer not to rec ongoing Fest fics but I guess every rule needs an exception, right? I just didn’t want people to waste any time before checking this and closing the year with a single rec feels quite auspicious :) and maybe this will prompt MA to reveal themselves to me because I’m ready to kiss the ground they walk on

I’ve said before that my reccing process comes in waves and requires the kind of passionate frenzy that urges me to write while reading the fic, which I happen to experience very rarely nowadays. This only shows how much this story has affected me. Muggle Draco, found family, meddling Snape friends, coworkers to lovers, karaoke nights (!!!), master chef Harry, this fic has everything I adore and delivers every single detail masterfully, with heart and intent. Simply put, I am blown away. Not only by MA’s singular ability to reach inside my mind and tick my every box, but also by their build up and characterization skills, coming up with charming, fleshed-out characters and a delicious brand of playful banter that made my heart beat outside of my chest from their very first interaction at the Ministry. The unrelenting banter was so excellent and entertaining I could cry - I surprised myself giggling so many times imagining their faces while delivering those lines. Gotta love a sassy couple, peak romance!

The premise itself is unpretentious yet brilliant, bringing Snape back from the dead to articulate things and push the boys plot together. His presence is clever and powerful not only from a plot perspective, but also to help us understand a bit more about post-war Harry and Draco, as they take the responsibility for his legacy by continuing his research work. There’s a lot to unpack between Draco’s fierce loyalty and Harry’s resigned determination to see this through. But despite all the emotional depth, the vignette style, smooth pacing and light tone make it hard to believe this is almost 20k; it feels both longer and shorter, I’ve read it in one breath and was left aching for more.

The characters voices are also delight - this still snarky but also civil, restrained Draco offers a fabulous POV, and learning about Greg & Luna and about “new, older Harry” as perceived by him was an absolute joy. I’m desperate to know more about this Harry with his mellow and jaded persona, a tad mysterious and off-kilt but still lovely and lovable. I found him both charming and intriguing, in Draco’s own (again, top notch) assessment, a peculiar man indeed. And Draco is so thirst for him I could barely hold my excitement omg the tux fitting scenes are so deliciously laced with sexual tension! Their chemistry is off the charts and I melted alongside Draco at Harry’s intensity and single-minded focus. Trust me when I say the M rating is sexy enough!!!

On that note, something unique that I particularly loved about this story is how organically everyone interacts, characters often breaking tension at awkward moments with incredibly perceptive gestures or lines (e.g. the conversation with Ron or when Harry helps out in the kitchen on their first date). That made me feel even more immersed and close to the characters. Something about the way they see each other, open and tentative, gives the otherwise simple exchange an interesting nuance of tenderness and intimacy. Masterful writing 😔🤌🏼

Ugh, I can’t believe I found yet another 2022 favorite on the very last day of the year. I wish MA could have seen my face as I read their fic because I am certain the feeling of pure joy and wonder was written all over it. I haven’t felt this bubbly about a fic in a long time, it was the kind of story that gave me renewed hope to see 2023 as an open canvas, a year full of possibilities. Writing this rec took me over 45 min and nothing was able to wipe the smile from my face. I can’t thank you enough, my dear MA, for giving me such a special experience today of all days. This fic will always hold a special spot in my heart for it. Happy New Year!

🥀 Fic Claim: Everything is Relative to You (E, 43k)

Potter was supposed to have lived. Draco is certain of this. That Potter would no longer walk the earth was tantamount to the sun moving west to east across the sky. If only he could have stopped this from happening, if he’d have known…

It comes to him as ideas often did: too late.

Or, Harry dreams of his past lives, and Draco is in every one.

Tags (check the fic for a full list):

Time travel, Past Lives, Dreams, Magical Theory, Wandlore, Unspeakable Draco Malfoy, Auror Harry Potter, Wandmaker Harry Potter, Legilimens Pansy Parkinson, Suicide Attempt, Temporary Major Character Death, EWE, Angst with a Happy Ending, Nonlinear Narrative, Animal Familiars, Renaissance Era Italy, Witch Burning, Reincarnation

It was such a delight to write this for @amywaterwings as part of H/D Erised 2022. Amy, I have so much admiration for you as a writer, and it was so fun to comb through your fics (and comment replies) for themes you enjoy. Huge thank you to @the-fools-errand for her eyes and the @hd-erised mods for putting on another excellent fest: @gracerene, @firethesound, @dictacontrion, you deserve a million thanks for bringing Erised to life year after year. I also want to thank everyone who's already commented or left kudos, it truly means the world when you do 🌹

As a little something extra, here are two sketches Andrea did, because while Gio may be a phenomenal musician he can't draw for shit.

Full images under the cut because the first one is a little NSFW.

Is there something in the water for Erised? How does everyone write the absolute best version of the fic that they set out to write? I’ve been honestly blown away by every fic that I’ve read so far & it was exceedingly difficult to narrow this rec list down. I am also so behind reading Erised this year, so this is only the first two weeks, despite posting being on week five — can’t wait to tackle the rest of the fest :)

ART: the art created for Erised is out of control this year. I don’t feel qualified to write any art recs but I have loved every single piece. You can’t go wrong with viewing/reading them all, honestly :)

The Hardest Hue to Hold by @cavendishbutterfly (17k, M):

Harry needs to get the hell out of England. So he sets up a teaching assistantship in America, hops on a plane, and heads off to a fresh start. Except there’s a familiar face among the university faculty, and it’s really not the familiar face that Harry wanted. Or at least, it’s not who Harry wanted at first.

You know when you read a fic & you immediately have to put down your phone or computer because you’re so overwhelmed? Like you have a hangover and you can’t read any more fic for a little bit? This fic did that to me. It’s so gorgeous and tender and cathartic as you watch Harry and Draco rediscover themselves and each other.

Historians by @oknowkiss (30k, E):

It’s the Dumbledore’s Army Reunion Holiday, and Harry’s found himself in hot water with his friends once again, after telling them he has a boyfriend he definitely does not have. In an attempt to fix things, he’s made it his colleague on Level Nine, Draco Malfoy’s problem too. Featuring a ski chalet in Switzerland, a pair of bunk beds, and an agreement that should’ve been simple, were it not for all the bloody feelings getting in the way.

Sorry for including two fake dating fics on this list (Fire Meet Gasoline is another incredible one, recced below), but this fic was such a delight! From the incredible use of switching POVs to build tension to Department of Mysteries absurdity (which I am a SLUT for) to Draco & Ron in the hot tub, I couldn’t put it down. This fic alternates between hilarious (Harry unable to log into his email for months) and deeply lonely (both of their work at Mysteries, the red sweater), but always remained light-hearted. It also was one of the hottest fics I’ve read for the fest this year. All the teasing of their ‘fake’ sexual dynamic throughout & then the way it actually played out 🥵

The Binding and the Loosing by @goblinmatriarch (35k, M):

Draco Malfoy is a reclusive academic who works on layered generational magic under the pseudonym Scholar Griseo. When he is contacted by a ‘James Black’ for help with a tricky situation with a magical House, he can’t help but notice the similarities between his potential client and Harry Potter.

Since he can’t exactly refuse to help the Saviour of the magical world, Draco girds his loins and visits Grimmauld Place, where he ends up involved in what he must presume is one of those classic Harry Potter misadventures. Bonding, sentient Houses, domesticity ahoy!

I loved this light-hearted take on accidental bonding & house magic! Despite dealing with some extremely sad material (how Harry has never had a real happy home & doesn’t know how a home is supposed to feel — just rip my heart out), this fic is so funny & generous. It’s also chock-full of incredible details: magical theory & sentient houses (the alarm clocks that sound throughout Grimmauld Place!), Harry as a magical toymaker, Draco as a reclusive academic, and pitch-perfect characterisation for all of their friends (Ginny orchestrating a race between Harry & Draco, Luna’s ability to bridge gaps between friends, & Pansy’s crush on Neville). Come for a gorgeous, growing understanding between Harry & Draco, stay for the hijinks and magical theory :)

Everything is Relative to You by @thehoneybeet (43k, E):

Potter was supposed to have lived. Draco is certain of this. That Potter would no longer walk the earth was tantamount to the sun moving west to east across the sky. If only he could have stopped this from happening, if he’d have known…

It comes to him as ideas often did: too late.

Or, Harry dreams of his past lives, and Draco is in every one.

I don’t even know how to write a rec of this fic; it left me absolutely speechless. It’s a deeply melancholic meditation on loneliness and longing — for a better life, to be a better person, for love. The prose is sparse and elegiac (like “Harry had traded fraught unhappiness for the kind of melancholy that settles in dusty corners, clinging to him and drifting everywhere he goes.”) There is so much to love about this fic: the deft handling of a non-linear story; the casual and thoughtful wandlore; the way this story lingers and then speeds by and somehow covers so much more ground than 43,000 words; and how my expectations about where the story was going were completely subverted. I’ll absolutely be returning to this fic to drink in the richness of the worlds & the love in all of them.

Fire Meet Gasoline by @lettersbyelise (E, 62k):

When Draco’s anger management issues land him in St Mungo’s, he thinks his Quidditch career is over. But Harry, A&E Healer and notorious workaholic, is faced with a similar predicament. To save their jobs, the two of them decide to fake a relationship. All they have to do is convince their friends and employers… and not fall in love in the process. Simple, right?

Another incredible subversion of a classic Drarry trope that I love — fake dating! This fic is super steamy; Draco & Harry’s chemistry rolls off the screen, both physically & emotionally. I love that neither Harry nor Draco start out as perfect, or even well-adjusted, but still suit each other so well & both push each other to be better. This fic will alternately make you laugh out loud, bang your head on the table (because they’re such idiots!), fan yourself, and cry. 

I actually haven’t seen any Erised rec lists cross my dash — if you have one, please let me know & I’ll link it (for my own reference and anyone else’s! I love seeing all the rec lists!). @gracerene is doing so much work reccing Erised fic & art in individual format on her tumblr though & I love all of her recs. @sitp-recs has a lovely list here & @thehoneybeet here.

Erised has been amazing this year and I wanted to make a rec list before reveals! Though I didn't get to every fic this year (nearly a million words is a lot to read in one month), I wanted to give some love to a few works that spoke to me.

You can find all the Erised works here!

The Unknown Door by @amywaterwings (E, 60k): A truly brilliant story featuring a nuanced + varied ensemble cast and Draco realistically unlearning his prejudice. The magical lore in this is gorgeous, and so is the writing style. It's the fic I didn't know I needed, but can't live without.

There is something wrong with the Bellcrest. The heart of the place beats rotten. Everyone says so. Where Draco is a magical property manager, Harry is a recluse, and they’re definitely not hiding from their problems in the run-down flats of the Bellcrest. Not at all. Not one bit.

Once upon a (Wet) Dream by InnerLilith (E, 13.5k): The imagery in this fic is magnetic. It's surreal. The contrast between the dreams and real life makes everything more vivid. It's blisteringly hot. Just go read it.

Once a year, Harry has a very strange dream. Meanwhile, in real life, he’s falling for Draco Malfoy.

the treehouse near primrose downs by @softlystarstruck (M, 14.4k): I can't express how lovely this story is. It's a balm for the soul. It speaks to all the gentle ways to love someone, the longing and joy of it.

Draco and Harry have been roommates for years, so buying a magical house in the countryside shouldn’t be a big difference. But in between fresh loaves of bread and beds of wildflowers, things start to fall into place.

Service Bell by @shiftylinguini (E, 8k): The language is visceral, raw, and this version of wolf Draco is stunning.

Draco is: a werewolf, living in a cabin in the woods, minding his own business, and never going to buy plaid because he's not that much of a fucking cliche (yet). He's also counting down the days until he sees Harry again.

Birdwatching for Beginners by dustmouth (G, art!): Pure delight in image form. The adoration for each other emanates from the art. It's funny. Their faces are so expressive, the moments without words delicate and beautiful.

Draco does his best to sneak out early from Ginny and Luna's Christmas party, only to be cornered by a drunk Harry Potter.

The Inconvenient Death(s) of Harry Potter by @nv-md (E, 33k): Time loop with added stakes. I love this premise an insane amount and the author delivers a brilliant, subversive arc that makes you fall in love with them all over again.

Harry won’t stop dying, Draco’s had too much coffee, and there’s more than enough time for them to make a mess of each other’s lives.

There's also been some other great Erised recs like this one by @sitp-recs and this one by @epitomereally and all of the wonderful recs by @gracerene. If you know of any others feel free to link them in the comments!

if you haven’t read this, I’d recommend it!! what a delightful read full of my favorite tropes like accidental bonding, forced proximity, sentient houses, and so much humor! it made me giggle all night:)