Discussion: Wartime Harry and Draco

[pink_mint]

I made a post to accio_hd_fics the other day asking if anyone could think of stories or art depicting WWI or WWII. I couldn't think of any, but I was hoping I was wrong.

Many thanks to roma_fics because she remebered a piece she thought was great, and oh, wow, do I agree. It features Harry and Draco, amongst several other characters, in a trench.

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR (or) Steady On, Soldier

by massicot

The drawing is intense and cool and very well done. It's the kind of thing I was looking and hoping for. And what really delighted me about the piece is that it's a magical AU. I think it's so special.

But sadly this is the only thing that came up. I'm surprised this is the case, especially since the Harry Potter series had a first Wizarding War and lead up to the second Wizarding war. It seems like it would have been done extensively and become almost a cliché.

Why hasn't it been done? This is an unmarked territory for Harry and Draco. I'm craving more stories and art like this, and I'm inspired to add to it. I think I have my prompt idea for my hd_holidays sign-up! Distress and romance during a wartime fall and winter - my heart flutters just thinking about it! :-D

Comments

[nuclearsugars.livejournal.com]

Hee, it's something I've seen done once or twice in Merlin fandom, but probably because that fandom lends itself to non-magical AUs more easily for some reason. I think with the H/D pairing, there is a lot of room to play in JKR's world and maybe that's why some writers don't like to branch out in our plain old Muggle realm.

Now we just have to poke you for SS!Draco and stalwart!brit!soldier!Harry. :D

[phoenixacid.livejournal.com]

You need to draw some WW1 and WW2 H/Ds now, you realise? ;)

[shiv5468.livejournal.com]

Because metafandom will be round to take away your internet privileges for being appropriative

Also tbh it would involve putting Draco in German uniform surely which is a little Squee harshing

[roma-fics.livejournal.com]

OMG How could I have forgotten one of my favourite fics????????

Seriously, if you want your heart ripped out and then maybe put back together here is a fic for you. It's long and I do mean long and plus it has a sequel. The original was written before HPDH.

The Burning Times by DracosDirtySecret
http://thehexfiles.net/viewstory.php?sid=3579

Summary: At the end of the War, wizarding governments worldwide have reconstructed themselves from the ground up. People from the wizarding world now find themselves co-existing with those from the Muggle world and vice versa. Draco Malfoy finds himself appointed an Ambassador by the new Minister of Magic, Albus Dumbledore, and Harry Potter is teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts. This is where life as they know it ceases to exist. When Draco is sent away to a far off land, he lands himself in a world of trouble and is sent to a Muggle prison. Stripped of his ability to perform magic, and denied any contact with the outside world, Draco finds himself unable to even contact the new husband he left behind. But Draco’s woes are nothing compared to those of his husband’s... M/M, Slash, A.U., Angst, Dark Fic, Character Death, MPreg, Drug Abuse, Rape, Torture, O.C.(s), & OOC just to give you fair warning.
Genres: Angst, AU, Dark!Fic, Drama, Tragedy
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Adult Language, Angst, OC, mPreg, Non-Con, OOC, Sexual Content, Violence, Drug Usage, Rape

Warning Note: There is the equivalent of the Holocaust.
The Sequel is also on The Hex Files.

[celemie.livejournal.com]

Draykonis did a commission of h/d at a bar in wwii uniform (at least it looks that way to me), which, like all of her stuff, is INCREDIBLE: http://unassumingpumpkin.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d27ubol

There are also some adorable as/s stories and pictures from the "as/s through the ages" fest. One set in late twenties Germany (http://community.livejournal.com/the_ass_fest/88804.html#cutid1), one during the blitz (http://community.livejournal.com/the_ass_fest/88545.html#cutid1), and one during wwii, where Scorpius is sent to England for protection and lives with the Potters (http://community.livejournal.com/the_ass_fest/86719.html#cutid1). All are very good.

There really should be more though! Please, draw us some!!! I know I've been craving a Dumbledore/Grindlewald 20s to wwi novel for AGES!

[mijeli.livejournal.com]

Ohh, I remember this piece, and it's just as shiver-worthy the second time. I agree, absolutely fantastic, both deep and just kick-ass cool.

Why the scenario hasn't been further explored... well, I'd presume just because it's obviously hinted, but still takes place in a different world. What I love about the Potter!verse is the magic, not the reality of it all. (But I'm not big on AUs in general.)
Also, I can only speak for myself, but as an Austrian citizen I have no desire to keep occupying myself with WWII more than I really have to (and it's rubbed in your face constantly if you live here). I figure it's too dark a setting for many people to traipse around in for fun - which is after all what fanfiction / fanart is about for most. I agree with shiv here: Not because it makes Draco look bad, but because it's people's families.
Lastly, many writers might want to avoid the role of the "moral educator" that could come with writing war and destruction.

Am I contradicting myself here, praising the art, then dismissing the comparison? :o You know, I obviously enjoy the aesthetic parallel, because I'm one morbid f*ck ;), and I'd be all over Distress and romance during a wartime fall and winter in your style. I could probably even enjoy reading such a story if it was credibly written and not overly "teach-y". I'd be really hesitant though to draw or write it myself.

[okydoky.livejournal.com]

Oooh you've got me wanting to read a nice war-time fic now. Maybe with spies and battles and secret liasons. Mmm. :)

[vaysh11.livejournal.com]

I am really just commenting to use my David Draco as girl in HJ uniform icon. ;)

And it is true - there is little H/D fic/art that is set directly within the war. I can see how placing them in WW1 or WW2 is not very popular to write - I wouldn't want to write it, too AU. I am guessing there must have been more war stories before HBP and DH.

The most recent war fic I can think of is winnett's History of the War (http://winnettfics.livejournal.com/66353.html), but you know that already. :)

I seem to remember an older, short fic where Harry and Draco fight together, and people know just from looking at them that they are for each other. Hm ... *off to search*

Not exactly what you are looking for, but have you seen this? tetleythesecond, Witch Night Or How The Word Snitch Entered Muggle German (http://community.livejournal.com/femgenficathon/102032.html).