I've finally gotten to the point where I'm procrastinating this in favour of writing. How sick is that?

Now, a LOT of the fics on this list are re-recs. I do that so that anyone who is skipping around only looking at specific tags won't miss out. If you've looked at all of the lists posted here so far and only want to see fics you haven't read about yet, look for the 🟨 symbol in front of the titles (hopefully that will be easy to spot). That will show you fics I haven't recced anywhere else yet.

Under 10k

General

Title: Mission Impossible

By: kjp_013
Link to Livejournal: https://serpentinelion.livejournal.com/427511.html
Rating: Clean (well, okay, a very fair amount of swearing, but otherwise, clean).
Author Summary: It was their motto: Never a case too small. There were, though, cases that were maybe a bit too big.

Tag List: I don't even know what to tag this, Hogwarts 8th year I think, EWE, humour, 5k

Commentary: (Recced in a previous chapter). Can the animals of Hogwarts conspire to get Harry and Draco together? Damn right they can. Now, actually succeeding, well, that's another matter...
Feat: Hedwig, Trevor, Pigwidgeon, Mrs Norris, and more.

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Teens and Up

🟨 𐂂 Title: Fluffy Little Olive Branch

⚯͛ By: JulietsEmoPhase
Link to Wattpad: https://aztruyen.top/tac-gia/JulietsEmoPhase
Link to AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/7105567
Rating: Teens and Up
Author Summary: Harry comes into work one day to find a box with a baby owl inside sitting on his desk, and a note from a mystery well-wisher.

Tag List: Post-Hogwarts, EWE, pre-relationship fluff, Auror Harry Potter, happy ending, letters, 4k

Commentary: Because I'm me, I only just understood the title today. Y'all, I'm bad with idioms, okay? Notoriously bad. An olive branch is an offer of reconciliation! It's fluffy and little because it's an owl. My Nobel prize in interpreting literature will be arriving shortly.
Anyway, Harry starts exchanging letters with the mystery gifter and it's very sweet. His owl is a determined little thing, with tons of attitude and chutzpah, and Harry gets attached to him super fast. (Which, like, yeah, me too).
Mini Excerpt: "You want to come up?" Harry asked, warming to the little thing despite his reservations. He hadn't ruled out the possibility someone was trying to kill him via ornithology, but if they were, they had chosen an extremely small assassin. "Okay then."

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10k-49k

🟨 𐂂 Title: Nobody

⚯͛ By: DorthyAnnDrarry
Link to Wattpad: https://aztruyen.top/tac-gia/DorthyAnnDrarry
Link to AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/17957957/chapters/42413054
Rating: Teens and Up
Author Summary: Junior Auror Potter runs errands, takes witness interviews, does paperwork, and gets the coffee. Rarely, very rarely, he's sent out on the most routine calls, such as when Draco Malfoy misses a meeting with his parole officer.
(Inspired by the song Nobody by Mitski)

Tag List: Post-Hogwarts, EWE, Auror Harry Potter, Soft Draco Malfoy, fluff, mild angst, 12k

Commentary: Draco's owl, Florence, is so cute in this. She just wants to be pet! Give her attention or else, Harry >:(
Anyway, Harry gets sent to make a house call at Draco's, as the summary describes, and it's clear that Draco is bothered by Aurors a lot. His neighbour isn't pleased with Harry asking about him and Draco is already exhausted with the conversation before he even opens the door, but then Harry is Harry, so he gives Draco the benefit of the doubt and, well... just read it for yourself.

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𐂂 Title: Magical Menagerie

⚯͛ By: DorthyAnnDrarry 
Link: https://www.wattpad.com/story/108047237-magical-menagerie-drarry
Rating: Teens and Up
Author Summary: Convinced by Hermione to get a new pet, Harry goes to Magical Menagerie and finds it's now owned by Draco Malfoy who has changed since the war... in a good way, a really good way.

Tag List: Cute pets, unusual careers, fun Pansy, smitten!Harry, oblivious!Draco, fluff, 16k

Commentary: (Recced in a previous chapter). This fic holds a special place in my heart! It's so cute and just feels very warm and homey. I miss the original cover, though. It used to have a different cover on Wattpad and I wish I had a screenshot of it because I very legitimately mourned when it changed. Anyway, back on track, I particularly loved Pansy in this fic, and I always enjoy it when Harry or Draco have good friends as side characters. I also love animal companions.

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𐂂 Title: With Great Yawns and Stretchings

By: sugar_screw
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/8047918
Rating: Teens and Up
Author Summary: The coffee is very good. Really. And the cats are so cute. That's why Harry goes so often.

Tag List: Post-Hogwarts, EWE, coffee shops, barista Draco, cat cafe, drinking, angst, fluff, kneazles, animal companions, 22k

Commentary: (Recced in a previous chapter). This fic has such a warm little place in my heart. I've had a note on it since I first read it with a reminder to re-read it when my cat is "resting." It's a sad fic, yes, but not heart-wrenching. It's sad in a slow, sweet way, because it's really just trying to reflect on life, and sometimes life has painful moments. Of course, if you're really sensitive to animals passing (non-graphic and of old age only), it might be smart to skip. Draco Malfoy owns a cat café! How much more information could you possibly need to want to read this enchanting little fic?

Note: the author says they might delete the work at some point because fuck JKR (understandable, I concur) and getting reminded of the fic upsets them. If that happens and you want to read it, either comment or pm me and I'll send you a link to a PDF you can download. I've saved it in as many formats as I thought might be necessary, so hopefully, it won't be a problem to access for anyone who wants it.

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🟨 Title: Of Matchmaking Owls & Second Chances

⚯ By: xErised
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/12031026
Rating: Teens and Up
Author Summary: It's just Draco's luck to own an owl that's in love with Potter's owl treats. When Potter invites Draco's owl to be a taste-tester, Draco accepts. For the sake of his beloved owl, of course, not to rekindle that spark of attraction during their eighth year. Or because of how bloody fit Potter is.

Tag List: Post-Hogwarts, EWE, owl treat maker Harry Potter, idk some business guy Draco Malfoy, canon-divergence, non-canon-compliant, past not-relationship, 11k

Commentary: Hedwig is alive in this one. Harry's shop is called Speccy's Owl Treats. Draco's owl Humphrey is admirably determined to get his claws on some treats. And Harry convinces Draco to help him out with cooking while Humphrey snacks. What more could you want?

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Mature

Title: The Moon Looks Lovely Tonight

⚯͛ By: Omi_Ohmy
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/2711060
Rating: Mature
Author Summary: When Harry moves into the damp and empty Black house, it doesn't quite feel like home. And then the first owl moves in. After that, it's a steep slope leading to bed-sharing, more owls, assorted housemates, strange potions experiments, and terrible cooking. And a bit of waltzing, too.

Tag List: Post-Hogwarts, EWE, bed-sharing, cooking, domestic, Gryffindors being housemates, board games, courting, Wizarding traditions, Pining, found family, 35k

Commentary: Oh so warm and cozy. This is the Grimmauld I love. This is the reason I love this trope so much. Harry and co. being housemates is one thing (an amazing thing), but add in an abundance of owls who won't leave him be, board games, courtship, Gregory Goyle, and found family, and you've got yourself a deal.

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Explicit

𐂂 Title: The Shape of the World

⚯͛ By: bixgirl
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/9352796/chapters/21184742
Rating: Explicit
Author Summary: Five years after the Battle of Hogwarts, Draco's life is finally getting back in order. Until, that is, he sees a familiar face that has been missing since that last awful morning of the war.
When has knowing Potter done anything other than complicate his life?
Although, for two people such as Potter and Malfoy, how can they fall in love except to put aside their preconceived notions about one another?

Tag List: Post-Hogwarts, EWE, Oblivious Harry, Falling in love, domesticity, UST, fluff, angst, animal companions, 48k

Commentary: (Recced in a previous chapter). Harry owns a surfing shop and has a pet snake named Monty. Yep, actually, that's all you need to know.
But I'm gonna tell you more anyway because I can't help myself. The tension is immaculate. Draco isn't entirely sure the person in front of him even is Harry and, if he is, what happened to him? Where's his scar? Why is he flirting with Draco like they've never met before? So, of course, Draco has to find out.
And then, once he finds out, you have five more chapters of the aftermath.
Let me just say, reccing this fic was a mistake. It smothered my productivity for the day because, naturally, I got stuck re-reading the whole thing by accident when I meant to just refresh my memory. Y'all, it's so good. It makes me want to read a hundred other fics with this exact premise. It makes me want to find 30 books where the love interest is an amnesiac and tries to hide their lack of a past from the main character at first. This fic obliterated my progress (which was moving so quickly and smoothly, by the way!) and I can't even bring myself to regret it because everyone deserves to read this fic.
It also has a short companion that serves as a sequel (7k).

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🟨 Title: And an Owl Named Romeo

By: Rickey
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/246704/chapters/380607
Rating: Explicit
Author Summary: Draco breeds owls, Harry's an Auror, and an owl named Romeo is going to bring them together.

Tag List: Post-Hogwarts, EWE, Auror Harry Potter, Owl Breeder Harry Potter, romance, coming out, case fic, epistolary (partially), fluff, angst, flangst, a bit of drama, comedy, coming out, 26k

Commentary: I'm actually just gonna leave you with an excerpt for this one. No, really, I'm restraining myself. (But this fic is very good—you didn't hear it from me).
Excerpt: "After the war Ron and Hermione lived with me. I borrowed their owls whenever I needed one. Sometimes I used Ginny's, but that was back when we were dating. I live alone now, and Ron and Hermione thought it was time."
Suddenly, a brown owl covered with small white spots swooped down from a nearby branch and landed on Harry's shoulder. He was medium sized, maybe ten inches tall. He had large yellow eyes that seemed bright in contrast to his white face.
"Why, hello," Harry said. The owl gave a low "wood" sound and nibbled on Harry's hair with his sharp black beak.
"Think you're pretty smart, eh Romeo? I'd say you've got your signals crossed."
Romeo looked over at Malfoy and then turned his attention back to Harry.
"Romeo?" Harry asked.
"Yes, his name is Romeo and he is an utter slut," Malfoy said, more to the bird than to Harry.

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𐂂 Title: Harry Potter and The Bisexual Awakening

⚯͛ By: Writcraft
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16977186
Rating: Explicit
Author Summary: Harry is perfectly content being single, heterosexual and living in Godric's Hollow with his very clingy rescue dog, Snitch. When Draco Malfoy turns up on Harry's doorstep demanding that Harry teach him how to drive, things quickly become a lot more complicated.

Tag List: Post-Hogwarts, EWE, Muggle curious Draco (kinda), Bisexual Harry Potter, Seven Minutes in Heaven, coming out, animal companions, friends to lovers, biphobia, 23k

Commentary: (Recced in a previous chapter). Oh, this fic. You will fall in love with this fic. You will fall in love with Harry's dog, and Draco's insistence on driving, and all of the side characters, too. Really, party games are only a very small part of it. What you're getting here is something more, something with a whole lot of heart and something you'll remember long after you stop reading.

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Over 50k

Mature

🟨 Title: All Life is Yours to Miss

By: saras_girl
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/825875/chapters/1568057
Rating: Mature
Author Summary: Professor Malfoy's world is contained, controlled, and as solitary as he can make it, but when an act of petty revenge goes horribly awry, he and his trusty six-legged friend are thrown into Hogwarts life at the deep end and must learn to live, love and let go.

Tag List: Post-Hogwarts but it's at Hogwarts, EWE, animal companions, Professor Draco Malfoy, 114k

Commentary: Draco has a lovely pet beetle that was accidentally enlarged by a student and so has become his pet. His name is Stanley.
Now let's talk about the plot. Draco and Harry got into a mini prank-war, and it landed Harry in the hospital wing, unconscious for an indeterminable amount of time. Professor Malfoy begins helping out with all of Harry's duties (he was flying instructor at Hogwarts, coach of Gryffindor's quidditch team, first-to-fifth-year Duelling Club leader, maintainer of school brooms and Quidditch equipment, house-elf relations representative, and Head of Gryffindor House). Try saying that five times fast.
And one of the best treatments that Madam Pomfrey prescribes until Harry is better is for people to speak to him, so Draco does.
He talks him through his days, teaching classes, finally softening up with the students and other professors, all the struggles he has with Quidditch and getting to know Hagrid, and it's wonderful. Draco is falling for Harry without him even being awake to talk back.

Excerpt: "I suppose it's quite a simple concept, but I am rather proud of the spellwork," he says. "The Full Body-bind is such an underused curse, and it will drive Potter to absolute distraction. I'm setting it to release after a minute, but I think that's long enough to teach him a lesson about taking points from Slytherin, don't you?"
Tack-tack, offers Stanley, trundling along Draco's sideboard and sending a comb, two books and a box of teabags clattering to the floor in his wake.
"Stanley, you are a menace to both the living and the dead," Draco sighs, but he doesn't bother to check his smile when the infernal beetle clicks ingratiatingly at him, because no one's here to see it.

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Explicit

Title: The Claiming of Grimmauld Place

⚯͛ By: bixgirl1
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/12693843/chapters/28945038
Rating: Explicit
Author Summary: When Grimmauld Place begins fighting against Harry's ownership of it, he decides he needs help to train the historic home — but little does he expect that it'll be Malfoy who's most suitable for the challenge. However, as Malfoy and Harry get closer, Harry comes to understand that expectations aren't always the best path by which to guide his heart — and in the process learns just what is needed to make a house a home.

Tag List: Post-Hogwarts, EWE, animal companions, magical theory, getting together, friends to lovers, falling in love, unusual pets, 74k

Commentary: (Recced in a previous chapter). So, you're going to get a lot of fun side character content here. Everyone from Goyle to Luna and back again. Malfoy is allowed to stay at Grimmauld Place for free because Harry wants his help, so, of course, they have to learn to get along as housemates, and to tolerate each other's friends as well. Oh, and Malfoy has a pet tortoise (Magical, he insists). Honestly, this fic deserves more love than my words are giving it, but I can't come up with much else to say that won't spoil your fun. Enjoy.

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𐂂 Title: Helix

⚯͛ By: saras_girl
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/3114812/chapters/6748463?view_adult=true
Rating: Explicit
Author Summary: Seven months after the end of the war, Harry is feeling lost. Fortunately, he is about to be offered an unexpected and sparkling chance to find himself again.

Tag List: Hogwarts 8th year, EWE, Hagrid, McGonagall, magical creatures, animal companions (kinda), Christmas, nightmares, 92k

Commentary: (Recced in a previous chapter). This is saras_girl's 2014 advent fic. Like almost all of saras_girl's fics, it starts slow, its summary tells you basically nothing, and it deserves a lot more talking-up than I can give it. This one in particular is just so sweet. Harry and Draco are taking care of these creatures for Hagrid called frost snails (as a punishment from McGonagall) and everything about it is amazing. They have to learn to work together to keep these wonderful creatures alive, and of course, there are plenty of disagreements about how best to do it (especially since they don't want to do it at first) but they bond over it and it's such a cool opportunity. Plus, the snails are full of personality, y'all. Expressive and opinionated, curious and charismatic, and Hagrid is great too. Seeing him and Draco have their awkwardness and learn to work together better is great. And, as always with saras_girl, Harry and Draco are full, rich characters in this fic. Draco has a lot of feelings about Snape's death, in particular, and Harry wants to air out all of their problems. The chemistry, too, is undeniable. Just give it a read.

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𐂂🥇Title: TURN
⚯͛ By: saras_girl
Read it on Wattpad here: defyingdraco
Link to AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/879852
Link to Wattpad: https://aztruyen.top/tac-gia/defyingdraco
Rating: Explicit
Author Summary: One good turn always deserves another. Apparently.

Tag List: unusual careers, disability and mental health, simultaneous EWE and Epilogue compliant, children, Harry/Ginny, divorced Draco, sexuality realization, altered reality, falling in love, 300k

Commentary: (Recced in a previous chapter but my commentary here is different). Harry has three adorable pets in this fic. The main two are snakes, one in each reality, and then in his "real" life, his daughter Lily has a pet cat named Frank.
Harry is still a parselmouth so, of course, that's fun, but more important are the wonderful personalities of his pets. Frank the snake is hilariously nonchalant and indiscreet, and Frank the cat is... well he's cute, but he doesn't chat much, so there's little to say there. Misu the snake is precious, just a tiny little thing Harry sometimes carries in his pocket (as opposed to snake Frank's hugeness) and bubbling with spirit. I will warn that she does get injured at one point, but she recovers, and Harry takes very good care of her.
This story is also great if you love to see Harry being a good dad and Uncle. I'm not huge on kid!fic, but this does it really well. I absolutely loved Maura, one of the children he interacted with regularly in the glimpse.
I almost feel bad still making this my number one rec for the list since it's my favourite fanfic of all time (aka the others never stood a shot), but even if I'm just looking at the animal companion aspect, this is my favourite. Misu owns a very small—but unquestionably substantial—piece of my heart.

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🟨 Title: Of Roses and Dragonfire

By: xErised
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16463420/chapters/38555933
Rating: Explicit
Author Summary: Years after That Kiss, Potter (and his new pet snake) appears again, this time as Hogwarts's Quidditch and Muggle Games instructor (what are Muggle Games anyway? Is this why Potter is swimming in the Great Lake wearing such a tiny pair of pants?), disrupting Draco's peaceful life as Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. It's bad enough dealing with one exuberant Gryffindor (Charlie Weasley as Care of Magical Creatures professor) on the faculty, and what's all the gossip about Potter courting Draco?

Tag List: Post-Hogwarts but it's at Hogwarts, EWE, pining, dragons, bets and wagers, professor Harry Potter, professor Draco Malfoy, tattooed Harry Potter, slow burn, drinking, getting together, Parseltongue, meddling Hogwarts, split POV, public-sex, 53k

Commentary: I love Draco and Charlie's friendship in this one. It's not something you get to see often enough. And the pining is exquisite. Draco, especially, is head over heels for Harry right from the start. Oh, and Hogwarts is semi-sentient (god, I love this trope!). Plus, Harry's snake (Pork Chop) is hilarious.
Excerpt: "So much sexual tension," Pork Chop remarks, uncurling. She moves towards Harry, but freezes, as if she just remembered their argument. Sullenly, she swirls her way back to her basket and turns to face the wall.
"Porks." Harry sighs. "C'mon, Porks. Don't be like this. You know I hate it when we fight."

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