Summary: While many authors dream of the day when their story will be picked up by Simon and Schuster, many more decide not to wait for their own IP or publisher. These brave, creative souls write fanfiction. One of the most popular ships in the fanfic world is that of Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger - iconic hero and villain characters from the Harry Potter franchise. Join Devin (seasoned Dramione and fanfic reader) and Holly (experiencing her first ever fanfiction for this episode) as they explore the oft-overlooked world of fanfic. 

Topics Discussed:

• The Heart (5:31 ): Devin discussed Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love by isthisselfcare, a friends to lovers tale set after the Harry Potter books end. Draco has a successful career as an Auror, an amicable relationship with his colleagues Ron and Harry, and a new assignment guarding his former nemesis - Hermione Granger. Hermione straddles the Muggle and Magical worlds as a medical researcher and Healer, but her most recent discovery has put her in danger and Draco Malfoy may be the only person who can keep her safe. Devin’s key takeaways were: 

• This is one of the most common ships in the Harry Potter fanfiction universe, and for a good reason. Hermione’s sassy, fiery hyper-competence combined with Draco’s bad boy but soft cinnamon roll vibe is a combo that readers never get sick of. They go toe-to-toe with banter, witticisms, and are both very attractive people. The redemption arc for Draco assisted by Hermione also feels accurate to their characterizations. 

• A lot of this story is centered around exploring those who have power (magic, political, physical, etc.) and those who do not. Both Draco and Hermione in their respective ways are fighting for those weaker than them and the plot arcs toward an ultimate battle against a known villain we all hated but never got their comeuppance in the cannon. 

• If you think intelligence is hot, boy, this is the book for you. Both Draco and Hermione are at the top of their craft in different ways and find their respective talents and cleverness alluring, which makes this an absolutely fantastic read for nerds. The author clearly did a ton of in-depth research on medicine, mathematics, and magical theories to make this story feel accurate to real, modern life (with a magical twist).

• The Dagger (16:26 ): Holly discussed Regression by WritexAboutxMe 

• The fanfiction is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers narrative, combining elements of suspense with intense emotional and psychological depth. It includes mature themes such as PTSD and trauma recovery, as well as moments of sexual tension between the characters. 

• For a fanfiction, the settings of the story were fantastic; Draco’s Paris flat, Neville and Luna’s cozy cottage for example. The mystery was intriguing amidst the cozier places as Draco and Hermione sought to understand how the bodies had runes carved into them, trying to get to the bottom of what they meant and who might be responsible. 

• If you’re used to reading published works, the lack of editing and juvenile tone can be off-putting in this story. Be mindful of things like the length (600-800 pages equivalent), some sudden and explicit mentions of sex, and Harry calling our protagonist “‘Mione” nonstop. 

• Hot On the Shelf (36:24 ):

• Devin: Fang Fiction by Kate Stayman-London

• Holly: Christine Falls by Benjamin Black

• What’s Making Our Hearts Race (39:32 ):

• Devin: Nobody Wants This on Netflix 

• Holly: Rings of Power Season 2 on Amazon Prime 

Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod

Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com

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