title: The Arc of the Pendulum

author: brummell

rating: E

tags/content: HP: EWE, Minor Character Death, Mild Gore, Mythical Beings & Creatures, Werewolves

summary: After his father casts a mysterious curse on Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy is forced to try to make things right.

wordcount: 30k

rec notes: I know everyone and their mother has probably read this fic but as these things go we will all have to put up with me putting up the classics (that I've read) here, especially in the case if there are H/D people who haven't read this yet *hint hint*

this is basically the fic that made me realize I like werewolf fic (to be fair this was nearly a decade ago). I've reread it a few times since the first - most recently this week, for this rec - and it never fails to grip me and make me emotional and SAD about Harry and Draco. I am always sad about Harry and Draco! is this a surprise to anyone anymore??

Beauty & the Beast is basically my favorite 'classic' princess tale and this has the elements I love the most about it; the rescuing-from-wolves bit (especially even more ironic in this fic, since it's a werewolf fic); the taming and reluctance of the ~beast; the tender relationship that develops. also what I really liked about this fic is that Draco doesn't stop being Draco, he doesn't start saying sappy or kind shit even when he and Harry have reached a truce or mutual affection, and sometimes he still verbally fucks up and doesn't apologize for it. also the bit at the end where the *descends into incoherent blubbers*

anyway. if you haven't read this yet, đź…±lease read it. also I should note that while I have a somewhat obvious? preference for top Draco this has top Harry in it and it's still one of my favorite H/D fics of all time so
title: With a Candle to Guide Me

author: daftfear

rating: M

tags/content: Angst, creature!fic, explicit sex, coarse language, mentions of self-harm, suicide attempt

summary: Draco wakes up in a nightmare, caught in the horror that’s haunted him since childhood. Desperate and trying to make sense of all that’s happened, Draco finds the only person who seems to want to give him answers is Potter. But being near Potter holds questions too—ones Draco isn’t sure he wants to ask. Even if it means turning down a way back to solid ground.

wordcount: 29k

rec notes: I literally cried nonstop while reading this (or, nearly nonstop. In bouts, probably about four times.) I know it's in first person but PLEASE DON'T LET THAT DETER YOU BECAUSE IT'S SO GOOD. It's so good written in first person that I don't think a third person version of this fic could have made me cry as much. It is emotional and there are elements of mystery/suspense in it and there are non-canon backstory elements that make perfect sense and I am just SAD. and EMOTIONAL. and SAD.

the characterization was wonderful and self-hating self-deprecating Draco is so (clenches fist) and honestly I think the bits with the house elf made me the saddest the most. I am literally tearing up just thinking about it this is embarrassing
.