Fest Fic: My Life As A Butterfly [H/D - NC-17 - 22k]

[bottomdraco-mod.livejournal.com]

Title: My Life As A Butterfly
Author: digthewriter
Prompt: PROMPT # 32
Pairing: Harry/Draco; Ron/Hermione, Theo/Blaise, Seamus/Pansy, Percy/Oliver, Ginny/Dean, Sirius/Remus
Word Count: ~22,300
Rating: NC-17
Contains (Highlight to view): Brace Yourself: *Hogwarts!AU. There is no second wizarding war. Harry's parents died in the process of successfully defeating Voldemort. Sirius lives. Snape lives. Remus lives. Original characters. Timeline slightly divergent from canon [I said, AU, right?] Mild violence mentioned. Stalkery boys being stalkery. Some crying. Made up rules about Transfiguration. Slightly non-linear timeline. Mention of underage sex. Mention of Harry's promiscuity. Sex in semi-public place. Denial. Pining.*
Disclaimer: Harry Potter characters are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended.
Notes: All the thanks to my betas for putting up with this ridiculous story. Also, though the story and the title focus on Draco's life, it's almost entirely told by Harry's point of view. Dear Prompter, I hope you like what I did with your request and I tried to stay as true to it as much as it was possible.
Summary: At the age of seventeen, Harry finds himself falling in love with a detached Draco Malfoy. Through a series of unfortunate miscommunications and gossip, he had a bad falling out (of love), too. Now, years later, can Harry make amends about a misunderstanding? Would Draco forgive him?

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Comments

[snowgall]

I really liked this so much! And I have to admit it surprised me, because I often am wary of "big misunderstandings" in fics. But somehow you pulled this off and truly made it work :)

The beginning of this, when they're in school and Harry is courting Draco, was super cute and I was just loving it. And then I could just *tell* there was going to be a big misunderstanding, and I was bracing myself for it, and...wow :) Surprisingly, I minded it less than I thought! I think you do a really nice job with it. They were both young and stupid, and when they meet again, they're more mature and talk like adults. And Draco apologizes nicely and their conversations are really lovely and naturalistic and moving. The sex was really good too :)

I like how once they're older the two of them seem to understand the potential for tropes they need to avoid, like this:

"Potter, this isn't the place."
"When is the place? Or the time?" Harry is calm, despite the nervousness he feels in his heart, despite the anger he feels in the pit of his stomach.
"I don't—"
Harry takes a deep breath. "I don't want to talk about this tonight," he says, to which Draco's eyes widen. "I just want to have dinner with you. You name the place and time. I just want to talk. Then."
"Very well. I'm free on Saturday evening."
Harry raises an eyebrow. This is almost too easy.
Draco rolls his eyes. "I will not reschedule, I promise."
"Are you sure...?"
"Potter."

And can I say how much I loved your characterization of Percy?

Harry, the Minister wants to know if you're going to be dating a DMLE employee, can we get your brooms on a discount?

So funny!

All around it was a great read and an enjoyable fic ♥

[digthewriter]

Thanks so much for such a thoughtful review. I am glad you liked the story.

[cremebunny.livejournal.com]

Oh my god!!! Harry Courting Draco, oh mygodddddddddddd my godddddddoh mi goddddds
I love this so much, im at the middle right now, just had to come take a break to fangirl in comments.

This is amazing so far *U*
the amount of romance and fluff, AHAghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhdgshfgds

[digthewriter]

Love that icon!

[cremebunny.livejournal.com]

This time, when they break apart, Harry rests his forehead against Draco's. He marvels at the fact that it took him so long to share a kiss with Draco, and it now seems like the stupidest thing in the world. The fact that he didn't do it years and years ago makes him feel like it's the only regret in his life.


*covers face with hands and squeals loudly*
FINALLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

This was such a delight to read, bless you writer <333

[digthewriter]

Thank you so much. I'm so glad you liked the story! Cutest review ever.

[capitu]

I loved this AU! :D It was so much fun seeing Harry like this. I imagine this is how Harry had been if raised by Sirius.

"Do what your heart tells you and don't give an arse about what others think."

That sounds so much like Sirius is not even funny! :D Also good advise, though yeah, it wouldn't work with this Draco.

I loved that scene when Harry was trying to flirt with Theo and all of the sudden he loses his ~fight~ and he's all adorable asking for advise. :)

I loved how sweet their courtship was. Call me crazy but, Harry's started to get bolder with Draco when they are alone. Placing his arm around Draco's waist, pulling him closer, kissing his neck.

I found that incredibly sexy. The idea they haven't gone beyond holding hands and yet Harry doing something so intimate as kiss his neck. *melts*

I knew a misunderstanding was coming though. :( but it fits so much with Draco, because, I reckon he was afraid to be hurt or used. Totally worth it seeing them together after all that time, so much sure of themselves, you know?

Wonderful, lovely ending. Thank you, mystery author! <33

[digthewriter]

Thank you so much. I so happy that you read it and liked it.

[προκυων μαύρο (from livejournal.com)]

this is beautiful! while reading it i'm not sure wether it will turns angst with no happy ending or the author will be forgiving enough to Harry... reading this is like listening to catchy tunes with sad lyrics.

beautiful story :D

[digthewriter]

Thank you so much!

[molnou.livejournal.com]

This has just been added to my all time favourite list.

It was truly amazing and beautiful.

I loved it.

[digthewriter]

I'm so glad. Thank so much.

[rebel-mistress.livejournal.com]

I love, love this! It's now one of my faves.

The longing on both parts was so palpable it hurt and broke my heart. Good thing they FINALLY got their sh*t together and gave it one more shot.

Thanks for sharing this with us!

[digthewriter]

Thanks so much. Thanks for reading!

[cloelockless2.livejournal.com]

Squeeeeeeeee Oh my god, this was so gripping! Harry's "don't chase me" in the Astronomy tower made my heart crumple. And I loved Percy's request for a discount: a lesson in comic relief XD Oh, and Draco's memoirs (the title and content). This was a perfect, beautiful little story down to the details. <3 <3 <3 Glad they aren't wasting any more time, Draco's unease in the kitchen was so cute.
So, yes, I'm always wary of AUs but you got me^^ (And again, Harry's despair in the Astronomy tower...) Wonderful start for a weekend!

[digthewriter]

Thank you so much. Thanks for reading.

[divertazsc.livejournal.com]

God what a beautiful story, the changes from canon were cool and I like the softer Draco in this one. Over all very enjoyable read.

[digthewriter]

Thank you, I'm so glad you liked it! xx