Every day, Draco Malfoy tries. With every fiber of his being he tries. But he doesn’t much think about what he’s trying for. A fic about challenging assumptions, discovering self-worth, the silver lining in failing to meet expectations, and finding friendship, love, and purpose in a small Alaskan town that’s steeped in magic.
“Rule number one”—Draco lifts a forefinger in the air to begin his count—“no feelings.” He speaks the words intentionally, willing them into truth, hoping for a Time-Turner to appear amidst the clutter on Harry’s table.
My first rec outside birthday gifts caught me completely off guard. I’m gonna preface this by saying that I trust @sweet-s0rr0w’s taste with all my heart, and even knowing her rec couldn’t be anything other than perfect I’m still shook by how much I adored this fic. High chances of being my favorite BB together with Home Truthsby@skeptiquex, and they are definitely among my favorite 2021 reads. Ancient Pines reminded me a lot of one of my all-time fave fics, A Sword Laid Aside by korlaena - not in terms of characterization or plot-wise (although hermit Harry sharing his refuge with Draco is totally my jam!). No, the similarities are more related to tone and intent. Both stories feel properly adult, mature and contemplative yet light and tender in a way that feels almost poetic.
This kind of writing always gives me chills and makes me feel like basking in a warm bath, it’s so hard not to mourn the experience once it’s over. Here’s to another fic I wish I could read for the first time over and over! Ancient Pines has a perfect mix of so many elements I personally love: Healer Draco, hermit Harry, wand lore, friends with benefits gone (remarkably) wrong, low key emotional angst, found family, comfort food, Draco & Ginny friendship, a sexy amount of sneaky escapades with many fingers going into belt loops, and much more. Harry and Draco’s dynamics are simply fantastic, from the delightful banter to the passionate lovemaking. I’m captivated by this chill, earnest, observant and tender Harry, his good-natured ways edged just a lil bit with the kind of defiant stubbornness he saves only for Draco.
And this Draco is just the perfect match for him! Smart and capable, warm yet overthinking every little step and grasping for control by setting empty rules he’s bound to break. It’s such a lovely thing to watch them come together amidst the wild and evocative landscape of Alaska, with easy familiarity despite having an unspoken past looming over their heads. It’s even lovelier to watch Draco find his self-worth and identity along the way, coming to terms with what he wants and daring to take a leapplunge of faith. What a touching showcase of character development!
Beyond the gorgeous characterization, this fic also has delightful OCs (Meg & Fee own my heart!) and sets a perfect pace mixing delicious banter, detailed wand magic and gentle romance. And it’s so gentle, and fun, and sweet! Their dynamics feel very organic and the way “Let’s have fun” becomes “What can I do?” reflect how much these characters grow to learn and care for each other. Lastly, I wanna give a massive shoutout to the talented cambiodipolvereandonlytheheartknows who captured the fic’s essence and gorgeous aesthetics with stunning art pieces! Their work got me even more immersed in this universe and put a big smile on my face. If you’re looking for a soft and resonant comfort read, search no more: this journey is your next read!
