Apple Pies and Other Amends by ToEatAPeach

This is what catapulted me into the wonderful world of Dramione fanfic. I will admit that I was no stranger to the world of fan fiction, but this was the first time I tried out this “ship.”

Before I talk about what I loved about Apple Pies and Other Amends, let me put this outrageous disclaimer out there… I have never read ANY of the Harry Potter books.

I know, I know. The horror! I’d love to say I have a good defense, but I really don’t. It’s the inner contrarian in me that still refuses to read it because all I hear are the pretentious peers (who barely read) say “this is so different from the book, did you read it?” Insert smug face along with this question. Yes, my pettiness knows no bounds. So for now, I will stick to the lovely fan fictions that fulfill my dark soul.

Thank you to ToEatAPeach for being so generous in letting all of us Archive of Our Own readers into this alternate world where Draco is a repentant, pining, sweet prat when it comes to Hermione. Yes, he can still be an absolute prat, but in the best way. The writer managed to capture both characters’ essence while having a completely different reality.

Apple Pies and Other Amends shows the aftermath of the war. The breakup of Hermione and Ron being one of them, so if you love them together, look away. Without giving up much of the story, this is really about how Hermione copes with her own PTSD, and how she saw herself being reflected in the last person she thought she would ever see...

Meanwhile, Draco is stewing in his own regrets and guilt, hoping for some reprieve and here comes swotty Hermione. They still have that childhood rivalry, but at least here, they give in to their chemistry.

What I loved about this is that Hermione gets to show her imperfect side to Draco. With all the pressure of being the brightest witch of her age, you get to see how debilitating it has been for her to live up to that. This surprises Draco and they soon realize how they can help each other through their trauma. The romantic tension just makes this an enjoyable read. Draco still thinks that Hermione is too good for him, but luckily, she lectures him on how they are perfect for each other. Classic Gryffindor.

Apple Pies and Other Desserts

Another bonus is that they bond through baking. With all that sugar, their budding romance was inevitable. Who doesn’t want to see Draco, the prince of house elves, learn how to deal with flour with Hermione as his teacher? I'll leave it at this because I really don't want to give away anything. To all my fellow dessert lovers, carbaholics, and sugar addicts (and I don't mean the food), read this now!