#artist harry
Title: The Delicate Balance of Light and Shade
Author:Anonymous
Prompt:#17
Sex Theme: Erotic painting
Rating:Explicit
Pairing(s): Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy
Warnings/Content Notes: None
Summary: With the war finally over, Harry tries to find his own path in a world where he is free to make his own choice. On a holiday in France, he unexpectedly falls in love with art and painting. Returning to Hogwarts to help rebuild it, he is paired up with Draco Malfoy to restore the Room of Requirement - and unexpectedly falls in love with Draco.
When the rebuilding efforts are done, Harry disappears.
Years later, Draco goes to Muggle London at Pansy’s suggestion to visit an art gallery. The name of the Muggle artist is unknown to Draco, but the subject of the erotic paintings is shockingly familiar: it’s Draco himself.
It’s time to confront the past and make some long-due confessions.
Word Count:13288
Author’s Notes: A million thanks to the prompter for the great prompt, to my heroic beta P. for her help, and to the lovely mods for their patience!
(The Delicate Balance of Light and Shade)
(We’ll Call This Fixer-Upper) Home by phdmama
Harry/Draco (2018, Explicit, 52k)
Draco Malfoy hasn’t set foot on English soil in ten years. After the war, he fled to America, where he found himself in a community, and healed himself through following his heart into music. He’s now the lead singer and songwriter for an internationally known band, who have come back to headline the Wiltshire Music Festival. But as Draco is about to learn, his past isn’t as far away as he might have believed, and his future may hold more than he ever could have dreamed.
Shout-out to @meandminniemcg who recced this fic in one of my posts and unknowingly provided me with the perfect fic to fill my “odd jobs” card for the @gameofdrarry oh my heart, this was a phenomenal and emotional ride. I had no idea I needed rock star Draco and artist Harry to find each other but this story was so delicately written that I had no problem jumping into this headcanon.
Draco’s journey is moving and poignant and it broke my heart, but I love the idea of music being his saving grace. And this Harry is such a fascinating character! Brave, intense, generous and full of love. Their first encounter at the back porch had such a powerful and unique atmosphere that I found myself completely enraptured, as if I were right there witnessing a private moment. They fall together in such a quiet, gentle and organic way, a soft and unpretentious “summer love” that slowly becomes something more. I love how their dynamics evolve, first the immediate attraction, then the quiet understanding, the domestic bliss, the emotional breakdown and gentle healing.
All of that combined with their artistic side gave me a lump in the throat and made my heart ache for their happiness. I also appreciate how the author explored the ups and downs in their relationship, it felt painfully honest but very satisfying, too. Kudos to the world building - such a vivid and gorgeous setting! - the scorching hot and intimate smut, and this refreshing take on their adult versions, more mature, open and resilient. This story hits right in the feels and left my heart full of joy and chatarsis. If you enjoy an emotional love story + the odd jobs trope, go ahead and feast on it!
