Sorting Hat Drabbles

Week #191 Results!!

2014-09-28T19:32:29Z

We only had one participant for week #191 and it was the lovely imera
Thank you for your participation. Here is the story, please leave feedback!! Thanks!! :D

Author: imera
Feedback: yes
Title: Herbs
Words: 495 words
Rating: G
Warnings: none

The war had changed Neville in many ways, giving him the courage he always wanted.

No longer scared, he decided to do something he dreamt of, working with plants. Plants were easier than animals, who he could never know how they would behave, and they were certainly easier than people. Finding people difficult to work with, he was surprised with his decision to apply for the position as a herbology professor.

Most of his fear was easily forgotten as he entered the school, the memories of his childhood adventures rushing back to him; it was the right place to be, he could feel it.

He learned fairly fast which of the students were interested in his class and which were not, and while he preferred the children to pay attention, he knew some would never care about plants.

Years passed, children came and went, moving onto something greater. Some continued with herbology after they graduated, while others kept it as a hobby, and then there were those who never cared, and would never care.

Slowly the children of those he knew attended school. It was a joy seeing them, seeing the similarities with their parents, as well as the differences, seeing which would be trouble and which wanted to learn. Some children he knew personally, like the Potter’s and Weasley’s, and was certain he could guess their houses even before they attended Hogwarts. Other he barely knew, but because of their parents he could guess their personalities and the houses they would end up in, like Malfoy.

However, even though he was right about some things, Scorpius Malfoy was not entirely like his father. He did resemble his father in more than looks, but he also had a strong interest in herbology, and he turned out to be one one of the best students in his class, alongside Rose, who took after her mother far more than her father. Scorpius continued to learn and grow, turning into a young man who knew what he wanted.

The day Scorpius approached him after class was one of the strangest, but at the same time proudest days of Neville’s years as a professor.

“You are one of the best professors I’ve had, as well as influential, and I wonder if you might write me a letter of recommendation for a project the Ministry is hosting. They are planning to visit South America in search for plants which might be useful for potions.”

He was one of the best and most eager, eager to learn and to explore, and he deserved a chance at the position just as much as anyone else.

“It would be my pleasure,” Neville said, repaying Scorpius’ smile as the boy received the answer he was looking for. Knowing there was at least one young student who respected him and thought a letter from him was helpful, Neville could go to bed that evening knowing he, a herbology professor, left an impression on a student.

Week 190 Winners!!

2014-09-28T19:13:32Z

Sorry these results are late, we had very few votes but fortunately those votes were mostly in agreement as to our winners so here are the results!!

Our winner for week #190 is oakstone730

And our Runner Up for week #190 is witchyemerald

Thanks to both of our winners and also to our other wonderful participant imera
Also a big thank you to those who read and voted!!

Sign Up Post For Week #191!!

2014-09-20T21:51:50Z

Sorry this is a day late so I've extended the deadline to Tuesday.

Your Week #191 characters:

Neville Longbottom and Scorpius Malfoy

Prompt:
Word Limit: 300-600

PLEASE READ THE RULES!

1. All drabbles must adhere to the WORD LENGTH REQUIREMENTS.
2. All drabbles must follow the PROMPT, though it is up to interpretation.
3. Please do NOT post your drabbles, or show anyone, until voting has finished and the results have been posted on Thursday.
4. If you enter the challenge, you are required to vote.
5. You are not required to write the pairing in a romantic situation, just as long as they are the main characters in the drabble.

If you would like to sign up, please comment to this post.

Remember, there is no limit on the amount of people who can sign up :) We would love for as many people to participate as possible!

Please submit your drabble to THIS post by TUESDAY before MIDNIGHT (EST). All comments are screened. Your name will be crossed off the list as we receive them. If for any reason you are unable to complete your drabble in time, just drop us a line! We will work something out.

Don't forget to read the post about feedback if you haven't already.

When submitting your drabbles, please use this header:

Author:
Feedback:
Title:
Words:
Rating:
Warnings:

Participants:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
...

Group Update!!

2014-09-20T21:36:13Z

Here are the banners for week #188 and #189
Sorry its taken so long to post results!! :D

Our winner for week #188 was reg_flint with the story Forgiveness

I just realized I left off part of your username so if you want me to redo this let me know!! Sorry!!

We only had one participant week #189 and that was oakstone730

Sorry for the delay and thanks for your patience!! Thanks for participating and thanks to everyone who participated and voted in these two challenges!! <3
I have long overdue feedback from week 188 as well and will try to get that out within the next few days!! :D

Results for week #190 will be up just as soon as I have enough votes, a few of our participants forgot to vote!! A new slightly delayed prompt challenge will be up asap!!

Voting Post For Week #190!!

2014-09-14T22:51:11Z

Sorry for the delay!!

It's Voting Time!

Please read the voting rules:
1. Do not vote for yourself and do not ask others to vote for you.
2. If you entered the challenge, you are required to vote.
3. Please vote for a MOST and SECOND favorite drabble. If you do not fill out the entire poll, your vote will not be counted.
4. Please vote for the NUMBER of the drabble, not the name of it. Just makes it easier on the mod :)
5. Please remember the prompt must when voting: "Keeping Secrets"

Results will be posted on Thursday. Have fun!

1.
Author:
Feedback: yes
Title: The assignment
Words: 593 words
Rating: G
Warnings: none

Three years passed since the death of Voldemort, and the Magic world was almost back to its normal life. Harry was a hero, on his way to become an Auror, Hermione was already working for the Ministry, and even Ron managed to hang on with the Auror training.

As they weren’t ready to face Death Eaters --even though Harry has fought them since he was eleven-- he received small cases to solve, and he was on one of those. It was a simply case, which for some reason Harry doubted it would be solved, but nonetheless, they had to investigate it.

The place, Mrs Higgins Dance School, the crime, stolen property.

Harry walked through the brightly lit hallways, following the smiling secretary, being told to wait in the hall while she fetched Mrs Higgins. That was when he heard a familiar voice, which he hadn’t heard in at least a year, but which he couldn’t easily forget.

Curious, Harry walked down the corridor to the right, knowing it was wrong and he should have returned to his waiting spot, but wanting to make sure his hearing wasn’t wrong.

As he stared in one of the open doors, he was met with one of the most shocking scenes hed seen in a while.

Surrounded by young girls dressed in ballerina tutus, girls who couldn't be older than seven, stood Draco Malfoy, wearing tight pants and a thin and tight t-shirt, showing the girls how to make a perfect jump. Harry struggled to breathe for a few seconds, even though his mouth was open, and while he knew he should have tried to pull away from the scene in front of him, or to at least close his mouth, but moving was difficult as Draco kept jumping.

That was when he discovered he was not alone, and the shock on his face was just as big as Harry’s. All the blood disappeared from Draco’s face, and then he almost lost his balance.

Harry was still struggling to think, but then the secretary called him and he was able to pull himself away from the scene in front of him.

During the report of the missing property, all Harry could think of was Draco, and wondered what the man was doing there. It turned out he would receive an answer to his questions as he was leaving, as his former school acquaintance was waiting for him.

It was tempting to pretend he didn’t see him, but it was a childish thing to do.

“You do realise that having seen what you have, I will have to kill you,” Draco said in a serious voice, never breaking his careless gaze.

“I’d like to see you try,” Harry replied, finding it difficult to keep a straight face.

“Don’t think that only because I’m surrounded by little girls all day that I can’t take you on.”

That was when both broke, first a smile, then a giggle, before they laughed so hard the secretary scolded them.

“I will keep this a secret if you tell me why.”

“It’s a part of the recovery system after the war.”

“Doesn’t that last only one year?”

Draco turned his head, a faint blush painting his cheeks. “I liked it, and asked if I could stay longer. You better not tell anyone, my father thinks I’m a disgrace, don’t want to be the laughingstock as well.”

“I for one think what you’re doing is admirable, but I won’t tell.”

The two men, smiled at each other, their former relationship forgotten as Harry left.

2.
Author:
Feedback: Yes, please.
Title: Secrets
Words: 590
Rating: G
Warnings: Unbeta'd.

“Harry.”

The urgency in Ron’s voice barely penetrated the fog of Monday morning paperwork. Looking up he saw Ron standing in the doorway, breathing hard as if he’d run a race.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry… accident in Potions. Malfoy--”

Harry’s chair crashed to the ground. “What, what about him?”

“It’s bad… you should go.” Ron motioned down the corridor. “Hermione is holding the lift. We were on that floor for a meeting and heard the explosion.”

Whatever else Ron said was lost in the roar in Harry’s ears as he ran towards the lift. It couldn’t be Draco. He was fine. Harry had said good-bye to him just an hour ago. Harry dodged gap-jawed co-workers as he raced towards the lift where Hermione was holding the door open. He skidded to a stop in the lift. Ron just made it before the door closed as Harry frantically pressed the button for Potions.

The damn thing wasn’t moving fast enough, Harry cursed as it jerked and twisted towards the Potions floor. He jumped as a hand touched his shoulder and turned to see Ron and Hermione looking at him. He’d forgotten they were there. He’d forgotten that they weren’t supposed to know.

“How--”

“Please, Harry, you’ve never been good at keeping secrets. We were just waiting for you to be ready to tell us about you and Draco,” Hermione said. Tears were in her eyes and Harry’s stomach plummeted.

“How bad is it?”

“They were working on him. As soon as we realized who it was we came to get you.” Ron coughed. “They might already have him at St. Mungo’s.”

The doors of the lift opened to chaos, groups of teal-robed potion employees were clutching each other as they watched the the medi-wizards kneeling over a figure on the ground, a growing crimson red stain on the floor. Shards of glass covered the floor, tables, chairs, Draco.

Harry pushed past hands that tried to hold him back and stumbled to the ground next to Draco’s head. He gave a choked cry as he saw the pieces of glass still protruding from Draco’s chest. His hand shook as he reached out to touch Draco’s cheek, it was icy cold instead of warm. Harry gave a choked cry and the young medi-witch closest to him grabbed his arm, her words just penetrating his panic. “He’s still alive, it’s a cooling charm, to slow down the blood loss…”

Harry gave a sob of relief and cradled Draco’s head gently, stroking his cheek, willing him to open his eyes. “Salazar, Draco, you didn’t have to do this just to get out of doing the dishes,” he choked out. “Don’t you dare leave me. Not before we’ve got this whole thing figured out…” he went on talking to Draco, kneeling in the broken glass until the medi-witch stopped him.

“We have to take him to St. Mungo’s now, we’ve done all we can here.”

Harry looked up to see that there were thirty or forty pairs of eyes staring at him, either In shock from the explosion or from the sight of the Deputy Head Auror draped over the body of the Potion Master. “Take me, too,” Harry said firmly.

The lead medi-witch started to object but the one who’d spoken to Harry stopped him. “He has partner privilege, sir, he can come with us.”

“You’re his partner?” The man looked at Harry in astonishment.

“I am.” Harry stood, saying the words for the first time. “I am Draco Malfoy’s partner and I’m going with him.”

3.
Author:
Feedback: Yes
Title: The Well Kept Secret
Words: 580 (ish)
Rating: G
Warnings: Fluffy more fluffy than I have done in a while

Harry’s friends where acting ...strange. Secretive. Whispered conversations, that stopped when he entered the room. Sometimes with giggling involved. And of late, pub nights seemed to be rainchecked for later dates. And Draco was acting the same. When he wasn’t sending off owls, writing notes in his appointment book, or shoving Harry out the door earlier than usual because he had work to do.

Like today Harry found himself being rushed out of his own flat by his blond boyfriend with only a triangle of buttered toast in his hand. The other half was still sitting on his plate. With barely a have a nice day, Harry found himself staring at his closed front door, only to have to fly open again with Draco reminding him of their dinner tonight at his parents home. Harry hid the winced, nodded in the affirmative and was once again face to face with his door.

Great, a night with the Malfoys. Harry walked to his appreciation point, nibbling his toast, wondering when the whole world went mad.

Work went by fast, but nothing of great importance was completed. It wasn’t easy when it seemed all his co-workers stopped by to visit at one point or another. It seemed that today everyone was interested in Harry’s day, or how had he and Draco been doing. Then there were a few witches that gave him odd advice. Like never get tired of doing the little things Harry or remember to say “I love you” everyday. Harry took it with a small smile, as the old witch winked at him a cackled out of the lift.

But Harry would have taken a double shift of that then have to face Draco’s parents. He loved Draco, but Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy--well they just didn’t get along.

The floo room in Malfoy Manor was empty. Not once since coming to the manor invited had Draco not met him upon his arrival. And Draco was not one to be late.

Dusting the floo powder off his robes, Harry went to the west gardens where he knew Mrs. Malfoy liked to hold summer dinners. Entering the garden through the sunroom door, Harry was surprised to see it covered in fairy lights. Long tables were set in blue table linens and the Malfoy blue and silver china. White roses looks pure and pale under the glow of the fairy lights.

But it was the people gathered round the garden. His friends. His co-workers. All setted watching Harry enter, that surprised Harry more than the gardens, the tables, the food, or Draco coming up to him with a smile wider than Harry had even seen on his face.

“What’s going on?”

“Harry. We've been together for years, moving past our school boy rivalry, learning that the world is greater than Hogwarts. Learning we are much the same. Growing something between us, that is deeper than love. And I am asking if you would take my hand, and stand beside me, for the rest of our lives.” Draco pulled a small silver box out from his robes, opening it to reveal a simple (for Draco) band. No gems or goddy detail. Just a gold band with and word Always inscribed in silver. Draco remembered Snape’s answer to Dumbledore, from Harry’s story. The part that Draco didn't admit that made him tear up, but Harry saw his eyes water. “Will you marry me here, tonight, in front of our friends and family?”

Harry barely crooked out a yes, before kissing Draco.

oooOOOooo

Voter Feedback Option

Voters now have the option of leaving a short statement about the drabble you voted for and why you voted that way. Feedback will then be given ANONYMOUSLY to the writer. Comments are screened if voters wish to leave additional feedback on any of the drabbles.

For example:
MOST Favorite:
#21 - Loved the humor, made me laugh

SECOND Most Favorite:
#42 - Characters were OOC

View Poll: SHD Week 190: Drarry

Sign Up Post For Week #190!!

2014-08-24T17:51:51Z

Your Week #190 characters:

Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter

Sorry this is late!! I'm extending the deadline!! :D

Prompt: Keeping Secrets
Word Limit: 200-600

PLEASE READ THE RULES!

1. All drabbles must adhere to the WORD LENGTH REQUIREMENTS.
2. All drabbles must follow the PROMPT, though it is up to interpretation.
3. Please do NOT post your drabbles, or show anyone, until voting has finished and the results have been posted on Thursday.
4. If you enter the challenge, you are required to vote.
5. You are not required to write the pairing in a romantic situation, just as long as they are the main characters in the drabble.

If you would like to sign up, please comment to this post.

Remember, there is no limit on the amount of people who can sign up :) We would love for as many people to participate as possible!

Please submit your drabble to THIS post by Wednesday before Noon (EST). All comments are screened. Your name will be crossed off the list as we receive them. If for any reason you are unable to complete your drabble in time, just drop us a line! We will work something out.

Don't forget to read the post about feedback if you haven't already.

When submitting your drabbles, please use this header:

Author:
Feedback:
Title:
Words:
Rating:
Warnings:

Participants:
1.imera
2.
3.
4.
5.
...

Week #189 Results!!

2014-08-24T17:46:34Z

We only had one entry for this week so I'm posting it here. Feel free to leave some feedback for our lovely participant oakstone730 I'll have a banner for you soon and also for the participants of week #188

Author: oakstone730
Feedback: Yes, please.
Title: Sidelines
Words: 500
Rating: G
Warnings: unrequited love

Hermione watched the couple on the crowded dance floor, oblivious of everyone around them as they slow danced to the music. They were whispering to each other, and it wasn’t too hard to guess what they were saying as they ground their hips together.

“You aren’t doing yourself any favors.” Hermione stiffened as she heard the familiar drawl of Draco Malfoy behind her. She waved towards one of the empty chair at the table, turning her back resolutely away from the dance floor. He sat down, carefully arranging his robes on thefolding chair. Like everyone at the party he wore formal robes befitting the occasion, and she took a pause in her misery to admire how well they fit him.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” she said, picking up her wine glass and taking a sip.

“We lost, Granger.” Malfoy motioned towards the dance floor, whiskey sloshing out of his glass as he said. “Can’t say you didn’t fight with all you had but even you need to admit defeat.”

“I didn’t--”

“Spare me. You did and so did I. I tried every trick in the cauldron, but it wasn’t nearly enough.” Draco laughed into his glass as he took a sip. His neat hair was mussed and as he pushed his fringe back with unsteady hands Hermione realized with a start that he was drunk. In the ten years since they’d become co-workers and then friends she’d never seen Draco drink more than he could handle.

“They aren’t married yet.” She muttered more to herself than to him but she knew he was right. It was blatantly obvious to everyone in the room how love-sick they were for each other as they danced and laughed together.

“They will be one week from now.” He looked over at her. “At least I don’t have to stand up in the bonding ceremony with them. It must suck to be you, Granger.”

Hermione clenched her fists and fought the urge to lash back. “I’m happy for them,” she said through gritted teeth.

“Sure you are.” Draco stood up, swaying slightly before he found his balance. He held out his hand. “Dance with me.”

“I don’t feel like dancing.” Hermione would sooner die than be on the dance floor with them right now. The hurt was too great, and it took every ounce of energy to hide her feelings from them.

“Relax. They left, no doubt fucking in the back bedroom right now.”

Hermione whipped her head to look around the room. He was right, they were gone. Draco tugged on her hand, forcing her to stand up. “It is what it is, Granger. You need to accept it and move on.”

“Like you are?” Hermione said as she reluctantly let him lead her to the dance floor.

“If there is one thing I’ve learned in this fucked-up life of mine, it is to not look back. It’ll kill you with regrets if you do. We’ll survive this, somehow.”

Week #189 Sign Ups!! (Yes, I'm back!!)

2014-08-14T19:44:53Z

My apologies for my long absence. I'm sorry for any inconvenience it may have caused. I had my reasons but I won't bore with them, I can only hope you can forgive and forget and that this amazing group hasn't been lost in the process!! Love you all!! Love Sherry

Your Week #189 characters:

Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy

Prompt: "It is what it is"
Word Limit: 500 exactly

PLEASE READ THE RULES!

1. All drabbles must adhere to the WORD LENGTH REQUIREMENTS.
2. All drabbles must follow the PROMPT, though it is up to interpretation.
3. Please do NOT post your drabbles, or show anyone, until voting has finished and the results have been posted on Thursday.
4. If you enter the challenge, you are required to vote.
5. You are not required to write the pairing in a romantic situation, just as long as they are the main characters in the drabble.

If you would like to sign up, please comment to this post.

Remember, there is no limit on the amount of people who can sign up :) We would love for as many people to participate as possible!

Please submit your drabble to THIS post by MONDAY before MIDNIGHT (EST). All comments are screened. Your name will be crossed off the list as we receive them. If for any reason you are unable to complete your drabble in time, just drop us a line! We will work something out.

Don't forget to read the post about feedback if you haven't already.

When submitting your drabbles, please use this header:

Author:
Feedback:
Title:
Words:
Rating:
Warnings:

Participants:
1. oakstone730
2.
3.
4.
5.
...

Mod Post: Update on Challenges!!

2014-04-01T11:34:12Z

We've had very few votes for the week 188 contest!! I'd appreciate if anyone could take the time to read the two entries and please vote so we can wrap this week up and go into something new!! I'm sorry for the delay, I just can't see opening another challenge when the last one hasn't been ended and we really don't have enough votes to do that at this point, even a couple more might help with the results!! Thank you to everyone for their participation and patience!! :D

Voting Post For Week #188

2014-03-24T21:40:43Z

Sorry this has been delayed for so long. I was sick for awhile plus I had extra kiddos because of snow days... its been pretty bad up here. Apologies all around. I'll get a new challenge up by Wednesday because of the delays. Please vote if you can!! :D

It's Voting Time!

Please read the voting rules:
1. Do not vote for yourself and do not ask others to vote for you.
2. If you entered the challenge, you are required to vote.
3. Please vote for a MOST and SECOND favorite drabble. If you do not fill out the entire poll, your vote will not be counted.
4. Please vote for the NUMBER of the drabble, not the name of it. Just makes it easier on the mod :)
5. Please remember the prompt must when voting: "Word List"

Results will be posted on Thursday. Have fun!

1.
Author:
Feedback: Yes
Title: Forgiveness
Words: 566
Rating: PG
Warnings: minor angst

The man was infuriating, yet so intelligent and an extremely powerful wizard that Severus had a hard time not listening to him. Dumbledore had given him trust, and friendship. But now that he had heard more truth from one who displayed Gryffindor cunning, more about the truth behind the role he had played, a game of an unlikely alliance. What had Dumbledore said all those years ago when Severus spilled his secret, that he had tried to get the Dark Lord to spare Lily alone?

“You disgust me.”

The tables had turned. The shame was Dumbledore's. And still Dumbledore stood facing the window as if Severus did not exist. Rain spattered the window but landed with a cold chill in Severus' heart.

“The magic that protects Harry,” Dumbledore began, turning his tired, old face toward Severus at last, “Even I cannot truly tell you what it is. But it is strong. Lord Voldemort cannot see past his nose. Well, he hardly has a nose. You get the point. Love is a foreign concept to him. Nagini is his chosen companion. The rest of you hardly exist but to do his bidding.”

Severus seethed. “That mediocre, lazy, sloppy boy whose mind is a portal into the deepest recesses of the Dark Lord's mind is always granted trust.” Severus spoke barely above a hissed whisper. He knew he sounded resentful and childish but Dumbledore was goading him with knowledge barely out of reach.

“And 'the rest of you?' As in, me?” Severus was not quiet any more. The lines in his face tautened giving him an even more angular look beneath his greasy black hair. “I put myself in the most mortal of dangers for you! You do not trust me. I am just a pawn in a game between you and the Dark Lord of 'who cares who dies as long as I get what I want” - what you want. You recall saying this sentence to me under similar circumstances? “You disgust me.”

Dumbledore looked as if Severus had slapped him across the face.

Finally Dumbledore spoke. “It is not that I do not trust you, not that I use you for some grand scheme of my own for the benefit of myself. But I do make use of you – you are a key player in my plans.”

“And you are open, transparent and honest with me all the time,” Severus sneered sarcastically, but to his knees. He did not want to look into the brilliantly blue eyes that seemed to penetrate everything like constant low-grade Legilimency.

There was a silence and a snuffling sound. Severus looked up. Dumbledore had tears in his eyes. Oh dear, now he was going to play the emotion card.

But it was not what Severus expected.

“Will you forgive me, Severus?” Dumbledore said clearly but in a much smaller voice than usual, even perhaps shakily. A tear slid down his cheek.

Severus snorted. He glared at the spindle-legged tables laden with Dumbledore's inventions. He did not need to think about his answer, even, because he had considered this before. Severus knew he was not expected to live this fight through to the end.

“As I have had to do for years upon years, again, and again, and again,” said the thin man in the dark robes. His voice had a steely tone.

Fawkes understood. He gave a low, musical cry.

2.
Author:
Feedback: I would love constructive criticism!
Title: Life Was Not Theirs
Words: 100
Rating: G
Warnings: None

Albus Dumbledore was a man of many secrets; more than Severus knew. Though, there was one secret Severus figured out a long time ago: Dumbledore was more cunning than he liked to let on. How did Severus learn this? Because of their special relationship. Severus knew their friendship was more of an alliance than than a friendship should be. Did that bother Severus? It used to. He felt bought. He gave his magic to cover his shame. An even exchange, according to Dumbledore. He had even made Severus believe it. Everything was done for a reason. Life was not theirs.

oooOOOooo

Voter Feedback Option

Voters now have the option of leaving a short statement about the drabble you voted for and why you voted that way. Feedback will then be given ANONYMOUSLY to the writer. Comments are screened if voters wish to leave additional feedback on any of the drabbles.

For example:
MOST Favorite:
#21 - Loved the humor, made me laugh

SECOND Most Favorite:
#42 - Characters were OOC

View Poll: SHD Week 188:snape/dumbledore

Signups for Week 188

2014-03-08T21:48:38Z

Your Week #188 characters:

Severus Snape and Albus Dumbledore

Prompt: Use the following list of words: Shame, Alliance, Magic, Friendship, and Secret(s).
Word Limit: 100-700

PLEASE READ THE RULES!

1. All drabbles must adhere to the WORD LENGTH REQUIREMENTS.
2. All drabbles must follow the PROMPT, though it is up to interpretation.
3. Please do NOT post your drabbles, or show anyone, until voting has finished and the results have been posted on Thursday.
4. If you enter the challenge, you are required to vote.
5. You are not required to write the pairing in a romantic situation, just as long as they are the main characters in the drabble.

If you would like to sign up, please comment to this post.

Remember, there is no limit on the amount of people who can sign up :) We would love for as many people to participate as possible!

Please submit your drabble to THIS post by WEDNESDAY before NOON (EST). All comments are screened. Your name will be crossed off the list as we receive them. If for any reason you are unable to complete your drabble in time, just drop us a line! We will work something out.

Don't forget to read the post about feedback if you haven't already.

When submitting your drabbles, please use this header:

Participants:
1.reg_flint
2.~~amorette~~
3.digthewriter
4.
5.
...

Belated Mod Post for Week #187

2014-03-08T21:37:36Z

Sorry i haven't been on... I was sick for a bit but I'm back with apologies!!

Week #187 we only had one entry which is why we had no vote that week. I'm posting the story here for feedback and also here's a participation banner for the lovely digthewriter for the entry. A new challenge is going up after this and I'll give until Noon Wednesday for any entries. Again sorry for the delay!! :D

Author: digthewriter
Feedback: Sure
Title: The Match
Words: 600
Rating: PG
Warnings: None

It was the first game of the season for Holyhead Harpies and the first professional game for Ginny Weasley's career. Potter had asked Draco to the game, and Draco only pretended to be mildly impressed with the seats that were, in fact, quite good.

Ever since Potter had approached him about forming a friendship, a "fresh start," he'd called it, Draco enjoyed the perks of being friends with the Saviour of the Wizarding World. Also, he didn't mind the occasional glance over at Potter's arse.

When they arrived at the "family and friends" reserved section, Draco noticed that along with the entire Weasley family, Granger, Longbottom--Dean Thomas and Michael Corner were also present. Potter had informed Draco that after the war, Ginny had dated Longbottom briefly but that relationship ended when she joined the Harpies.

It was beginning to look like a convention for all Weasley ex-boyfriends. Draco sighed defeatedly. Great, Potter probably only wanted to bring Draco because he didn't wish to seem as desperate. He too, probably, wanted her back.

Draco scowled at the feeling of being used. How did he even think that his occasional meet up with Potter for coffee or a few pints had actually escalated into a real friendship that actually meant something? It didn't. He was nothing short of a bonafide wingman.

What was he supposed to do? Keep Corner or Thomas occupied as Potter made a play for her? Surely, Longbottom was no longer a threat since he was seen around town with Lovegood, and on occasion, Hannah Abbott. That slick wanker.

The horn blared and the game started, and for a short while, Draco did manage to get distracted. His only reminders were the times his side of the benches would cheer louder than everyone else as Weasley flew by and when Potter grabbed his knee in a moment of enthusiasm. Then he'd apologise for it, and Draco would immediately miss the touch.

From the corner of his eye, Draco saw Corner and Thomas cheering with the family. It was as though they were really trying to impress them than watch the game. It was pathetic, really. Regardless of his own intentions, at least Potter wasn't acting like a washed up groupie.

At last! The match was over. Draco didn't have to admire Ginny Weasley's flying and hate himself for it simultaneously. And, he didn't have to consistently brush arms with Potter; which he secretly liked, anyway.

"Did you like the game?" Potter looked rather sheepish which only confused Draco.

They were heading towards the exit, as opposed to following the family to the lounge where the players would be. That's where Corner and Thomas were heading off to. Draco looked bemusedly at Potter and gestured towards the masses heading in the opposite direction.

Potter stated he was ready to go home. Confused again, Draco only nodded. They Portkeyed back to Diagon Alley and Draco waited for Potter to Disapparate first, then he'd head home. Instead, Potter invited him over for a pint.

Draco raised an eyebrow with uncertainty. Potter never invited him over before. What was he doing? Was he trying to play hard to get with Ginny Weasley? So she'd be interested in him? That really was Draco's technique for a while with Potter anyway. Also, wasn't he worried that Corner or Thomas might sweep in and he'd lose his chance?

Draco, thinking over all the questions in his head, didn't notice when Potter leaned in and kissed him. "So about that pint?" he asked.

Right. Draco felt like an idiot. Apparently, Potter knew what he was doing.

Week #187 Sign Ups!!

2014-02-09T19:03:00Z

Your Week #187 characters:

Dean Thomas and Michael Corner

Prompt: Ginny Weasley
Word Limit: 200-600

PLEASE READ THE RULES!

1. All drabbles must adhere to the WORD LENGTH REQUIREMENTS.
2. All drabbles must follow the PROMPT, though it is up to interpretation.
3. Please do NOT post your drabbles, or show anyone, until voting has finished and the results have been posted on Thursday.
4. If you enter the challenge, you are required to vote.
5. You are not required to write the pairing in a romantic situation, just as long as they are the main characters in the drabble.

If you would like to sign up, please comment to this post.

Remember, there is no limit on the amount of people who can sign up :) We would love for as many people to participate as possible!

Please submit your drabble to THIS post by WEDNESDAY before NOON (EST). All comments are screened. Your name will be crossed off the list as we receive them. If for any reason you are unable to complete your drabble in time, just drop us a line! We will work something out.

Don't forget to read the post about feedback if you haven't already.

When submitting your drabbles, please use this header:

Participants:
1.digthewriter
2.
3.
4.
5.
...

Sign Ups For Week #186

2014-01-17T20:42:46Z

Your Week #186 characters:

Any Hufflepuff and Any Ravenclaw

Prompt: CLICK HERE
Word Limit: 100-499

PLEASE READ THE RULES!

1. All drabbles must adhere to the WORD LENGTH REQUIREMENTS.
2. All drabbles must follow the PROMPT, though it is up to interpretation.
3. Please do NOT post your drabbles, or show anyone, until voting has finished and the results have been posted on Thursday.
4. If you enter the challenge, you are required to vote.
5. You are not required to write the pairing in a romantic situation, just as long as they are the main characters in the drabble.

If you would like to sign up, please comment to this post.

Remember, there is no limit on the amount of people who can sign up :) We would love for as many people to participate as possible!

Please submit your drabble to THIS post by MONDAY before MIDNIGHT (EST). All comments are screened. Your name will be crossed off the list as we receive them. If for any reason you are unable to complete your drabble in time, just drop us a line! We will work something out.

Don't forget to read the post about feedback if you haven't already.

When submitting your drabbles, please use this header:

Participants:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
...

Banner for Week #185

2014-01-15T22:50:35Z

Sorry its a bit late but here is the banner for oakstone730 for week #185!!

Thanks for paticipating!! <3

Don't forget everyone that a new sign up post will be up tomorrow!! :D

Week #185 Update!!

2014-01-12T21:05:37Z

We only had one writer write for Week #185 so I'm finally posting the story here for everyone to read. I will have a participation banner for the author hopefully by tomorrow!! Thanks for your participation oakstone730 Anyone who reads, please leave her some lovely feedback. A new challenge will be posted on Thursday so watch for the sign ups!! :D

Author: oakstone730
Feedback: Yes, please
Title: Home Advantage
Words: 483
Rating: R
Warnings: None

From his vantage point at the top of the bleachers, Draco gave a sigh of relief as the afternoon sun finally began to sink past the hoops at the end of the Quidditch pitch. His seat had given him the best view to watch the practice match, but he’d just about seared his eyesight away trying to watch Harry playing keeper with the sun behind him. Harry had stripped off his shirt and was playing in his breeches and Quidditch leathers, and Draco took a minute to just enjoy the view.

“Looking fine, today, isn’t he?” Draco glanced up to see Longbottom standing next to him.

“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” Draco said dismissively as he looked back towards the pitch.

“Harry. Who knew what he was hiding abs like that under those baggy clothes?”

“You lived with him for six years, if you didn’t--”

“Oh, I did, Living that close to him, I knew exactly what he had to offer, even if he didn’t.” Longbottom sat down next to him, seemingly oblivious of the scowl that Draco was giving him. “Didn’t think I stood a chance, you know, but things have changed, haven’t they?”

Draco sat up and looked from where Harry was flying down towards the pitch, to Longbottom who had casually pulled off his shirt, and was displaying his own tan fitness, his arms casually draped over the top rail of the bleachers. He knew that Longbottom was referring to Harry’s recent coming out that had been splashed over the Prophet headlines for weeks.

“Are you saying that he and you are….” Draco looked skeptically over at Longbottom.

“Not yet, but--” Longbottom stopped talking to give Harry, who was looking up at them, a wave as he and the other players were heading towards the entrance to the locker room. “Just thought you should know. I’m not the pushover I used to be, I’m not going to bow out and just let you have him. I’ll fight for him.”

Draco snorted and stood up, and drew a hand to smooth back his hair that been ruffled by the wind. Longbottom was just trying to wind him up, but it wasn’t going to work.

“Good luck, Longbottom, may the best wizard win.” Draco gave a dismissive wave to the former Gryffindor as he headed down the stands. As soon as he was clear of the anti-apparation barrier he disapparated home.

The table was set by the time Harry walked in the door. Harry stopped and looked at the candles and flowers on the table. “What’s the occasion?”

“No occasion, just felt like making an extra effort tonight,” Draco said, smiling as he took in Harry’s post-practice look, damp hair and untucked shirt. “You look so good I could shove you against the table and fuck you right now.”

Harry dropped his gear bag to the floor. “Why don’t you then?”

Banners for Week #184

2014-01-12T20:56:24Z

We only had one vote that wasn't the writers themselves so I finally closed the voting poll and here are the banners for all your hard work on the stories.

Thanks to both amorette and reg_flint for their participation in this challenge. There will be no feedback sent since it was minimal. Sorry.

Week #185 Signups!!

2014-01-05T04:49:03Z

This is this week's sign up, sorry its late. I'll give till Wednesday at Noon for stories. The vote for week #185 is still up because we didn't have enough votes for a winner. Please take the time to go read and vote, it would be well appreciated. Thanks.

Your Week #185 characters:

Neville Longbottom and Draco Malfoy

Prompt: Homographs: Include any 5 of the examples of Homographs listed on this page HERE within your story. Please boldface the words you choose.
Word Limit: 200 to 600

PLEASE READ THE RULES!

1. All drabbles must adhere to the WORD LENGTH REQUIREMENTS.
2. All drabbles must follow the PROMPT, though it is up to interpretation.
3. Please do NOT post your drabbles, or show anyone, until voting has finished and the results have been posted on Thursday.
4. If you enter the challenge, you are required to vote.
5. You are not required to write the pairing in a romantic situation, just as long as they are the main characters in the drabble.

If you would like to sign up, please comment to this post.

Remember, there is no limit on the amount of people who can sign up :) We would love for as many people to participate as possible!

Please submit your drabble to THIS post by WEDNESDAY before NOON (EST). All comments are screened. Your name will be crossed off the list as we receive them. If for any reason you are unable to complete your drabble in time, just drop us a line! We will work something out.

Don't forget to read the post about feedback if you haven't already.

When submitting your drabbles, please use this header:

Participants:
1. oakstone730
2. lokifan
3.
4.
5.
...

Week #184 Voting Post!!

2013-12-31T08:59:35Z

View Poll: SHD Week 86:snarry

A New Challenge Sign Up For Week #184!!

2013-12-22T02:48:08Z

We had no takers on the last challenge and with Xmas this week, I decided to let the signups and writing for this week go until Friday. We'll then have voting till Tuesday of the following week and then another challenge that same week's Friday. I hope that's okay with everyone. Thanks and hope to see many of you participate this week. <3

Your Week #184 characters:

Hermione Granger and any non-Gryffindor

Prompt: Silver and Gold
Word Limit: 100 to 300 word drabbles

PLEASE READ THE RULES!

1. All drabbles must adhere to the WORD LENGTH REQUIREMENTS.
2. All drabbles must follow the PROMPT, though it is up to interpretation.
3. Please do NOT post your drabbles, or show anyone, until voting has finished and the results have been posted on Thursday.
4. If you enter the challenge, you are required to vote.
5. You are not required to write the pairing in a romantic situation, just as long as they are the main characters in the drabble.

If you would like to sign up, please comment to this post.

Remember, there is no limit on the amount of people who can sign up :) We would love for as many people to participate as possible!

Please submit your drabble to THIS post by FRIDAY before MIDNIGHT (EST). All comments are screened. Your name will be crossed off the list as we receive them. If for any reason you are unable to complete your drabble in time, just drop us a line! We will work something out.

Don't forget to read the post about feedback if you haven't already.

When submitting your drabbles, please use this header:

Participants:
1. ~~amorette~~
2. reg_flint
3.
4.
5.
...

Some Words From the Mod

2013-12-15T18:16:32Z

We had no takers on the last challenge and this made me completely forget about posting on Friday... if anyone would like to participate in the challenge from last week then send me your story in the usual way... no need to sign up. If no one does the challenge then there will be no voting or posting until Friday when I'll post a brand new challenge. Thanks!! :D

Sign Up Post For Week #183!!

2013-12-06T20:54:07Z

Your Week #183 characters:

Pansy Parkinson and Any Gryffindor

Prompt: This Picture HERE

Word Limit: 300 Exactly

PLEASE READ THE RULES!

1. All drabbles must adhere to the WORD LENGTH REQUIREMENTS.
2. All drabbles must follow the PROMPT, though it is up to interpretation.
3. Please do NOT post your drabbles, or show anyone, until voting has finished and the results have been posted on Thursday.
4. If you enter the challenge, you are required to vote.
5. You are not required to write the pairing in a romantic situation, just as long as they are the main characters in the drabble.

If you would like to sign up, please comment to this post.

Remember, there is no limit on the amount of people who can sign up :) We would love for as many people to participate as possible!

Please submit your drabble to THIS post by MONDAY before MIDNIGHT (EST). All comments are screened. Your name will be crossed off the list as we receive them. If for any reason you are unable to complete your drabble in time, just drop us a line! We will work something out.

Don't forget to read the post about feedback if you haven't already.

When submitting your drabbles, please use this header:

Participants:
1. reg_flint
2.
3.
4.
5.
...

Mod Fail!! Yet Again!!

2013-12-02T21:50:56Z

I realized I forgot to post a new challenge over here and for that I'm sorry... since its so late, I'm just going to wait and I'll post a new one on either Wednesday or Thursday which will give extra time for sign ups and writing. Thanks and sorry!! :D

Winner for Week #182

2013-12-01T19:21:00Z

Our Winner for Week #182 is:

lokifan with the story Sunlight Coming

Also, note that the manip here is not mine... I found it on a site called fanpop and credit belongs to Carlesjo, I just used the pic and restylized it for this banner.

I'll have a new challenge up today, sorry I'm late again. I'll extend the writing time as well. Thanks to those who read and voted. Also special thanks to our other participant imera who did a great job!!

Voting Post For Week #182!!

2013-11-26T19:45:20Z

It's Voting Time!

Please read the voting rules:
1. Do not vote for yourself and do not ask others to vote for you.
2. If you entered the challenge, you are required to vote.
3. Please vote for a MOST and SECOND favorite drabble. If you do not fill out the entire poll, your vote will not be counted.
4. Please vote for the NUMBER of the drabble, not the name of it. Just makes it easier on the mod :)
5. Please remember the prompt must when voting: "Midnight Memories"

Results will be posted on Thursday. Have fun!

1.
Author:
Feedback: yes
Title: Firewhiskey
Words: 596
Rating: G
Warnings: none

The party was just like all the others, even if he was promised it would be different. Every person there had a purpose, either it was political or social, they all wanted something, something Harry didn’t want to give. He didn’t want to pretend he agreed with their causes, he didn’t want to laugh at jokes and stories he didn’t find funny, and he was especially tired of rejecting women who thought that simply because he was single it meant he wanted a relationship.

Harry thought everything would return to normal once the war ended, and while most things did return to the way they used to be he didn’t; or, he realised he couldn’t.

After his third glass of champagne, and before his ears started to bleed because of all the boring stories, he took a trip out to the balcony.

It was a chilly night, the moon shining from behind a few clouds, and the stars sparkling on the black sky. Every time Harry couldn’t sleep he’d curl up on his porch, a warm blanket wrapped around his body, staring up at the sky, the one place that never changed.

“Needed some fresh air?” a familiar voice asked from behind him. Turning Harry saw a familiar face sitting on a chair in the dark corner.

“Malfoy,” he greeted the man. “What are you doing in the dark?”

“The party isn’t really my thing,” he shrugged.

“What is?”

Draco wassilent, his eyes lingering on Harry. “A bottle of firewhiskey in my own study.”

“That does sound like a better party than this.” A smile was shared as they both realised that neither one wanted to be at the party.

“Then what are you doing here?”

“Promises,” Harry said, looking away for a second.

“Oh?”

Harry knew he didn't have to tell him why, but for some reason he wanted to. " My friends think I spend too much time by myself.”

“And the perfect remedy for loneliness is dragging you out to a stupid government party filled with strangers.” Harry laughed for the first time that night.

“Well, nobody’s perfect.” If people were perfect then he wouldn’t be hiding in his home. Draco didn’t say another word, instead he sipped at his drink. “I better go inside.”

Harry took two steps when Draco interrupted him. “You don’t have to,” he said, softly. Harry stared at him, wondering why he offered him to stay.

The silence grew between them, the only sounds that was heard came from the people inside the party. Harry opened his mouth to say something, to break the awkward silence, only to be interrupted by the large clock. Looking at it he realised it was midnight.

“New day, new opportunities,” Draco mumbled before swallowing his remaining drink. “I thought I’d leave by midnight, but if you want I can stay here until you plan to leave.”

“I wasn’t planning to stay for much longer,” Harry admitted.

“Well, then why don’t we leave together, give them something to talk about.” Harry wasn’t the brightest man alive so it took him a few seconds before he realised what Draco meant.

“Let’s,” he said, smiling, hoping he wasn’t blushing.

As they left he heard a few whispers, and saw a few looks, but they didn’t bother him, at least he wasn’t the only one wanting to be home.

“I’ll see you around,” Draco said, smiling.

“Yes, goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”

Draco was the first to disapparate, leaving a slightly confused Harry behind. Smiling at the different end to his night he shook his head and disapparated home.

2.
Author:
Feedback: Yes please!
Title: Sunlight Coming
Words: 600
Rating: PG (for mentions of torture)
Warnings: none

Three weeks into the Reconstruction of Hogwarts, Harry woke at half-past two biting down on a cry of fear. He could taste blood.

He sat up, opening his eyes as wide as he could. The world was a blur, but in the bright moonlight shining through the ceiling of the Great Hall, Harry could see the rows of campbeds with sleeping volunteers huddled on them. Ron's red head was on the bed next to Harry's, his freckled feet poking over the other end. Beyond Ron, Harry could make out the fuzz of Hermione's hair, blurred into an even bigger brown halo by his short-sightedness.

Harry felt around until he found his glasses, and pushed them onto his face. He sat shivering in the July heat. His mind still felt cold, invaded by Voldemort's voice and a Death Eater screaming and Malfoy's pale, strained face as he cast the Cruciatus.

Harry's body was wracked by another sympathetic shudder at the blurry memory of the Death Eater under the Cruciatus.

The sleeping mumbles and moans, the familiar faces around him, it wasn't helping. Harry touched his wand – a wartime reflex that had yet to fade – then padded out of the Great Hall, heading for Hogwarts' steps and nighttime air.

One of Hogwarts' great front doors was already open. Harry stepped out, hissing a little as his bare feet met the stone outside, and stopped short. Draco Malfoy was sitting there.

Malfoy turned at Harry's hiss, and his pale face went still, his grey eyes pale and fixed on Harry's face. “Potter.”

“Hi.” Harry wished he wasn't wearing the Snitch pyjamas Ron had got him four Christmases ago.

“I'm not up to anything. You can sleep the sleep of the righteous.” Malfoy turned away, ducking his head. The ruffled hairs at his nape were almost invisible.

“I wasn't looking for you.” Irritated by his own hovering, Harry sat on the steps too. “I had a bad dream.”

Malfoy gave him a startled look. “Me too.” Perhaps recognising the vulnerability of the admission, Malfoy hitched a sneer onto his face. “I saw the Dark Lord 24/7, not just every so often.”

“I know.” Harry was too tired to fight with him. “You were in my nightmare, actually. I had a vision last year of Voldemort making you cast Crucio for him.”

Malfoy's breath hitched at Voldemort's name. “Then we had the same dream.”

They looked at each other for a moment. Then the weight of the moment became too much, and they broke the connection, turning to look at the Forbidden Forest.

“I really thought you were dead,” Malfoy said. “I thought I was, too.”

Harry took a deep lungful of dark air. “Apparently not.”

“Mmm.” Malfoy relaxed back out of his tense hunch, sprawling back on the steps. He looked as if he should be sunning himself, the moonlight gleaming over his pale throat, cheek, hair. He looked as if he wanted very much to be relaxed in Harry's presence.

Harry searched for something to say that would make that true, that would ease the tautness of this encounter.

“Did you hear the Tornados are back in practice?”

“Yeah. They think we might actually get a full season once Quidditch is back. Nothing can stop that.” Malfoy's smile was quicksilver.

“Nothing except Saville's million injuries...” Harry felt himself relax into Hogwarts' stone as they talked about the future, arguing about the Harpies' chances and if that Greek Chaser had been worth the two million Galleons.

When the sun came up, they were sprawled together on the warming steps, fast asleep.

oooOOOooo

Voter Feedback Option

Voters now have the option of leaving a short statement about the drabble you voted for and why you voted that way. Feedback will then be given ANONYMOUSLY to the writer. Comments are screened if voters wish to leave additional feedback on any of the drabbles.

For example:
MOST Favorite:
#21 - Loved the humor, made me laugh

SECOND Most Favorite:
#42 - Characters were OOC

View Poll: SHD Week 182:Draco/Harry