(I'm only here for Johannes Radebe!)
A/N So, in the UK, the Strictly Come Dancing season is upon us. Queer, camp, dancing and glitter, and this year we've got the first same-sex couple - what more can you ask for? So, I'm glad I've finished this story just in time to coincide (if only for my own satisfaction). This isn't a 'Drarry does Strictly' story, though pretty close at times!
A Drarry Story. Was called 'Harry Potter and the Year of Dances'. Set after the war, Draco starts writing to Harry. When Draco's house arrest comes to an end, they take the Wizarding World by surprise when they dance together at a Ministry Ball; not because of the queer coupling but because, to everyone else, they are still enemies. Battling with Harry's fame, old prejudices, jealousy, and someone who seems determined to cause trouble for Harry, the couple find their feet in a new, inclusive, Wizarding World. They have their friends around them, a colourful and unique spectrum of people and a bit of help from a grumpy old potions master who has bequeathed Harry his portrait. (I thought I was being quite original when I started writing this aspect – I've since read at least three stories with the same sort of idea, oh well!).
The original premise of the story evolved out of a discussion with @lottie_maurauder_Xx and @x_xdrarryx_x about a world without a normative sexual orientation or gender identity; that it should be okay to be who you are without being judged or scorned. As a result, I have tried to make the majority of the characters inclusive, with the odd exception, whether we are talking about sexuality, gender, race, ability, religion, age, class (and because it's the Wizarding World, blood status and magical-being classification). Those of you who have read some of my other works will recognise the character of Peanut, this is the story she originating in though it's taken me far longer to finally publish it. And with inclusivity in mind, I love the idea of Hermione being dark-skinned and, in this story, I have based her on the image of Halle Berry below because she's just beautiful!
Throughout this story I have posted links to the dances being referenced to give a gist of various styles (Drarry are dancing their own versions). At first, I thought I should only seek out examples of the dances being performed by same-sex couples to replicate Drarry, however, as this story is about inclusivity, I changed my mind, plus there are simply some gorgeous versions of the dances out there. Therefore, it doesn't matter who's dancing, it's about the appreciation of the dance, the connection, and the beauty of movement and celebrating life from all walks!
WARNING! Contains swearing. Sexual tension and references to sexual acts but no overt smut!
All rights to the Harry Potter Universe belongs to JK Rowling etc., etc. No money being made, it's just a bit of fun!