RECS (an Original Character edition)

I was plagued by nightmares last night (high school, you were twenty years ago and I want to be done with you, dammit!) so I indulged in the comfort of fic this morning in between other things. The fics listed in this post all include supporting OCs that I enjoyed meeting -- I'll theorize some other time about what delights me about OCs, but in brief, I like how they often bring out facets of the starring characters' personalities or histories (particularly when they do so with humor or sympathy) that they're unlikely to share with other canonical characters.

( DH spoilers under the cut; recs range from PG to NC-17 )

[As I noted in my Snupin Santa sign-up, I am actually generally leery of fics featuring preg (m or f), young kids, or parenting as major themes. In the hands of the right authors, though... *commends the above to you*]

[And, speaking of Snupin Santa -- so many new participants! So many returning! Our ship, it sails strong! *cheers*]