HP Halloween, 2019 Edition

[kelly_chambliss]

hp_halloween worked its usual magic on All Hallows' Eve, and the only sad thing about it was that I could not enjoy it until today (Sunday). Last week, RL flattened me like an impeachment inquiry, to the point that I didn't even have a chance to read my own fabulous gift (see below). I was determined not to rush the pleasure, but the result was that I was inexcusably late in responding to dear flyingharmony, the author of my most excellent present. (I knew as soon as I saw her name that I was in for a treat. Thank you so much, my dear!)

But I finally have been able to savor every word, and I know you'll be as thrilled with it as I was. FlyingHarmony sets a wonderfully-evocative Halloween stage and puts her beautifully-characterized Minerva front and center with gorgeous lines like this: But this night of Samhain was a sacred night, and since her husband’s passing she would insist on spending it in solitude, honouring the ancient rituals, all for herself and the Deities above. You'll need your hankie by the end, but it's a good, cleansing sort of sorrow.

Go read it now.

Sacred Night by flyingharmony (Minerva McGonagall)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Overall, I clearly have the best flist going, because in addition to my great gift, the fest is full of top-notch entries from almost twenty people on my flist. I've listed them all below, because I can't possibly choose just a few favorites. As always, the fest contained something for every taste, from horror to comedy to eerie beauty to angst to smokin' hotness. And clever magic, of course. Characters and pairings are nicely varied, too; everyone will find their favorites somewhere. (In addition to several drabbles from flisties, my favorite old ladies had a good showing; see the list at the end.)

Great Drabbles from My Flisties

Vanishing Vampires by alisanne (Harry/Severus, Hermione)
Beautifully characterized, with a fun structure of repeated lines.

Magical Pumpkins by dexstarr (Hermione/Astoria Greengrass)
I love this version of Hermione, with her Muggle memories.

His Reality by digthewriter (Harry/Draco)
A believable look at Harry's psychological damages and Draco's healing.

Brewed with Love by gelsey (Ginny/Luna)
Lovely characterizations and images.

The Last Ride by _hannelore (Luna)
A poignant and inventive look at ghost lore, with a well-characterized Luna. Really excellent.

Mead, Bread, and Grapes by iselima (Tonks, Luna, Remus)
A lovely mix of sadness and succor, in the effective context of Samhain rituals.

In His Darkest Hour by magnetic_pole (Severus, Eileen)
Haunting, clever, and painful -- yet comforting.

Samhain Visitor by milotzi (Aberforth, Draco)
Just the sort of thoughtful canon connections I love, and wonderfully atmospheric

Lunar Allure by musyc (Hermione/Pansy)
Beautiful use of moon imagery.

Another Anniversary by paulamcg (Remus, Sirius, Harry, Draco)
A well-done missing scene of from Remus's year as DADA professor, with powerful imagery.

The Fear by pauraque (Poppy/Pomona)
Fabulous from start to finish. Pauraque has such a way with image and metaphor, insight and character.

Spiritous by perverse_idyll (Minerva, Severus, Albus)
A total triumph. Read this opening line and then dare tell me you can resist the rest: For one of her first acts as headmistress, Minerva shatters the Mirror of Erised.

Head Games by ragdoll (Harry, Luna, Neville)
A clever take on Muggle pop culture versus wizarding. Very enjoyable.

Haunted by shadowycat (Remus/Severus)
A scene full of insight, comfort, and great lines: A place doesn’t have to be full of ghosts to be haunted.

Bobbing for Apples by starduchess (Severus/Harry)
A funny twist on a Muggle Halloween favorite. Great banter.

The Bat of the Party by teddyradiator (Ginny/Severus)
Sexy , confident Ginny and snarky Snape -- the perfect recipe.

Pumpkin Spice by torino10154 (Neville/James Sirius)
Wickedly funny depiction of a wryly-suffering Neville and a cheeky James Sirius

Night-Time Delivery by vaysh (Harry, Draco, Tom Riddle)
Horrifying and hot and sharply-written -- in other words, classic Vaysh.

Troxler's Fading by writcraft (Harry/Sirius)
Evocative and filled with gorgeous lines.

Additional Old Lady Fics

Comfort and Joy by raktajinos (Minerva, Augusta)

The Mist by bererjs (Minerva, Severus, Lily, Remus, Sirius)

Above the Leafy Shadows by honeymink (Minerva, Pansy)

Mending by koshweasley (Minerva, Madam Malkin, Severus, Madam Pimpernelle)

Getting Warm by thesmallhobbit (Minerva/Severus)

I hope you all had a fine and festive Halloween!