[The Gilded Dragon](https://archiveofourown.org/works/62243665/chapters/159235594) | 8/40ish | updates every other Wed | >200k @ completion

Explores first love (among other firsts) & deep emotional connection, trauma & healing, and the borders between reality & the mind. 

**Draco:** virgin, soft for her, protective, a littlleee possessive - trying to be better, but still a bit prickly  
**Hermione:** sexually experienced, bad at feelings, so done, estranged from G3, mildly chaotic?  

_Expect..._
* idiots in love, ‘platonic’ domesticity, smut, whimpering  
* mysterious connections, legilimency?, redemption?, revenge...?  
* abuse, Ron bashing, dissociation, hallucination, chronic illness  
* recreation of an infamously esoteric ancient Egyptian healing ritual, mythology refs  
* Draco vs a Discman, adorable enchanted origami notes   

__Preview from Chapter 9: The Dementor and the Deal (posting on Wed!)__
>>!She looked up at Draco, who was back to leaning against the side of the desk, fiddling with his flask and fighting off a blush. She eyed him assessingly, lips pursed, biting at the inside of her cheek, clearly not impressed with what she saw. Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, she leaned over and began to unbuckle her shoes. “Take your trousers off,” she commanded casually.!<
>&nbsp;

>>!“Excuse me?” he gasped, nearly choking on his firewhiskey while his heart skipped a beat.!<
>&nbsp;

>>!“_Take your trousers off, Malfoy,_” she repeated more slowly but just as firmly as she slid a black knee-high down her calf. “I need them.”!<
>&nbsp;

>>!“Merlin, Granger, at least let me buy you a drink first,” he said wryly, losing the fight against the advancing blush. Her hand shot out, fingers wiggling, and he stepped forward to place the flask into her waiting grip. His eyes slunk down, but he was powerless to avoid the force that pulled his attention upward along her uncommonly bare legs. He blew a breath out through his nose as that warm feeling in his chest began to sink down lower.!<

[Art by me + Canva]

Two broken people finding & fixing each other - by whatever means necessary | 8th yr hurt/comfort, psychological thriller, tooth-rotting fluff