HP recs: Snape/Harry short fics
Posted on September 29, 2007
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Part 3: Short fics (less than 15K words)
Go to: Severus Snape/Harry Potter. Part 1: Long fics (stories over 50K words, long series and such)
Fics are sorted in alphabetical order by title (articles excluded).
1:1, by ThreeSidedOrchid (synn) (or here) #
PG-13/R. My Team_Romance contribution to the Snarry_Games. My prompt was “Dollhouse”. Post-war loneliness bring Snape and Harry together.
This is an unhurried and lovely story. I liked how different Harry and Snape are in this fic and how they make sense together anyway. And I liked everything about Grimmauld Place and Harry’s disguises. He’s sly and sweet, and of course the tables are turned on him. Wonderful!
Act Five: Deconstruction of an Architect, by Dacro #
Gen (Harry/OMC in the background), PG-13, ~8500 words. Snarry Games entry. Genre(s): Alternate Reality (London: 1884-1894). Prompt(s): Miles to go before I sleep, Dissident. Warnings: Victorian AR. Mentor!Snape (not romantic Snarry), minor character deaths, implied drug use. Summary: A reporter once asked of me, ‘Sir. If the most notable moments of your life were to be documented for the stage, how many acts would there be, and what would they be called?’ I was of a mind to ignore him, and yet an answer came to my lips—much to my surprise. “Four acts—in no certain order: Death of a Father, Death of a Servant, The Bridge, and The Arrival of the Boy.” There is also this movement, a fifth and final act that I neglected to share with him. It has no title as of yet.
This is the fic that caused discussions about the “Snarriness” of it. The bottom line seems to be: every writer and every reader are free to define the pairing as they wish. I’m fine with it, and the following will be, of course, my opinion. IMO, it’s not Snarry, it’s gen with mentor!Snape, as the warnings say. What is more, as for me, this is not even a HP fanfic. I’ve been sitting on this rec for days, not sure how well I’d be able to put into words what I think. It’s going to be long but I hope you’ll get to the end, for the sake of “but” that I promise :)
When you write an AR, especially one set in circumstances that differ from canon universe a lot, there are various degrees of distance you can pick. You can take a more traditional approach, as Beth does in Learning the Landscape (see below) and substitute key events for their approximate equivalents from the reality she creates, and make them influence your characters in ways that would make them similar to their canon selves. But you can choose another way: you can step farther and have fewer crossing points, so that your characters will become different.
So, imagine your character is Snape. If he isn’t born in a family torn by Muggle/magic conflict, if his father isn’t a violent working-class drunk, if he doesn’t live in a hovel; if he isn’t bullied in boarding school; if there’s no seriously bad choice in his past and quite possibly lots of hate crimes he committed, that fuck up his entire life — is he still Snape?
If Harry didn’t spend years as an unwanted freak in the Dursleys’ home and wasn’t locked in the cupboard, if Ron and Hermione, and also Hedwig and the Weasleys, and the boarding school he’d call home, and a godfather to be found in adolescence only to lose him two years later, were absent from the picture, if, in the end, he had no terrible destiny to fulfil — is he still Harry?
Everybody will decide for themselves, of course. For me, no, they are not. There’s no context for me in the story (if not to count the place where it was posted as said context) to make it somehow related to HP. There are only three characters whose names we know from HP books in it: Snape, Harry, and Albus. Their biography is vastly different from their canon counterparts, as are their roles in the world, and therefore, very different are their personalities. I would probably buy each of them in HP AU context if I were shown how they developed to be like this. Here though, they read like OCs to me, and the story read like original fiction.
Are you still reading? Here comes the “but” then. But I enjoyed the story a lot! It’s set in Victorian London and tells us a story of an architect whose life’s goal is to built the Tower Bridge. It’s a project of his life that spans years and years. His old servant takes a boy from the street to help with everyday stuff. The boy turns out to be clever and inquisitive, and becomes a great help for the architect as the construction of the bridge progresses. The story is incredibly vivid and moving. I don’t know why, maybe it’s the first person voice, maybe it’s the attention to detail, maybe the plain old wonderful writing. But the fact is: you begin to read, and you are immediately IN the story, following along, feeling for the characters, SEEING everything. I’m sure I’ll be rereading it and finding comfort and joy in it again. Wonderful!
Act of Faith, by Amanuensis (or here) ##
R/NC-17, AU. Written for the snarry_games Winter 2007 Games, Team Wartime, Prompt: Inquisition, Genres: Alternate Universe, Horror. Summary: In 1492, Spain launched something far more shameful than just one misdirected Genoan and his three ships. And only those of limpieza de sangre–pure blood–were safe. And in truth, not even them. Warnings are in the fic post.
The sheer brilliance of this fic still makes me shake my head in stunned wonder several days after I read it. This is an AU scenario you may dream of but never hope for ‘cos you can’t imagine that anybody could pull it off. There are pitfalls at every step: historical and HP-canon related both; their name is legion. But Amy, oh. This is why I think she’s a fantastic writer. She simply can. A short fic worth a hundred novels in how much it tells. A perfect balance of universes. Cleverness of the idea, gracefulness of the realisation, terror and kindness — it’s all there. Perfect!
Alive, by Aucta Sinistra (also here or here) #
NC-17. Written for the Pornicators Summer Snarry Free for All Mini-fest, prompt #6: I always wanted Snape to be a swimmer. Kind of an incoherent fantasy but whatever. But no extreme kinks, I just don’t like those.
The first word that comes to my mind when I think of this fic is “sensual.” You’ll feel moist hot air filling your lungs and clinging to your skin when you read it. It has a wonderful original location. It has hot sex and the finest balance of angst and romance. Delightful!
All Just Photos, by Mosh #
PG. Summary: Severus is forced to remember. ‘And there he is, standing next to Harry, in the middle of them all. Two pale, black haired men, one old enough to be the other’s father. And nobody had remarked how they were holding hands in that picture.’
I’m always ready to fall for old Snape, especially for old Snape when he has to get in touch with children. And if it’s written like this fic, my fall is inevitable. Short, sad, beautiful piece.
Always Hungry, by Melora98 (or here) #
R. Summary: Written for the Snarry Olymics 2006, the Team Angst entry for the prompt “Always Hungry”. Harry finds himself in a tight spot, and Snape is the one who finds him… Warnings: Character Death.
How to manage to make the “two men in a room” plot be original? This is how. Very sad, very vivid, haunting imagery, interesting magic. Besides, IMO, it perfectly fits the prompt, both literally and metaphorically. I also think this story grows on you if you let it ’steep’ for a couple of days. I wish Melora wrote more!
Amidst the Doxies, by Iulia Linnea #
Snape/Harry, other pairings mentioned, NC-17, 6900 words. Genres: Postwar and Humour &/or Crack. Prompt: Career Change. Summary: Adelaide Alderton, an accomplished lady of leisure, now retired and in hiding deceased, makes (discreet) mention in her memoirs of two “celebrated” war heroes. Warnings: highlight in the fic post.
A “madame” writes a book about her life and establishment under the editorial guidance of Rita Skeeter. One chapter of the memoir (which makes this story) is devoted to our heroes. It’s amusing and meta-ish, what with all the comments for the editor, scratched lines, and such. The ending is very nice, as for me, too. Pleasure!
And death shall have no dominion, by Snakeling (or here) #
NC-17, AU. Summary: Harry finds himself shunned by the other Slytherins, except one. Warning: chan, if you call chan sex between a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old.
Take one Slytherin!Harry. Mix with one ghost!Snape. Shake. Give it to pj to read and you’ll have her melted into a puddle. Awww! This is a sweet and light fic. I wish it were longer, but maybe the best part of my enjoyment of it was because of its quick pace. I liked how Snakeling retold 7 years in short scenes, very different from canon but still familiar enough.
Anesthesia, by Florahart #
NC-17.
Fics like this are the reason why I can’t stray to LotR or POTC for too long. It’s shining. Gently absurd, funny, awfully cute, and wonderfully written. Sheer joy!
This is the case of a cracky premise made into a good fic. Harry decides that he should put Snape out of the picture when he goes after Voldemort ‘cos Voldemort and Snape could be too much for him to handle. The way to do it? Why, put him to sleep. How? Read to find out.
Approaching, by Diagonalist []
NC-17. Written for the pornish_pixies fantasy fest. spinningcompass requested: Severus/Harry, Severus pursues an oblivious Harry who only wanted help in potions/occlumency/whatever, chan or not, no coercion, let Snape be Snape - no teeth whitening potions and suddenly shiny hair - he must catch Harry some other way than looks.
As Beeswax in Summer, by Rinsbane # (locked)
NC-17. Summary: “Wartime fic. There is something in the dungeons of Hogwarts, down in the old Potions classroom and beyond, that radiates up and makes the inhabitants of the castle – students and refugees – fall back and let the underground be. In that silence, Harry finds stillness and starlight.” Warnings: potion abuse, character death (not Snape or Harry).
Only Rinsbane with her unique manner of writing can tell such a wonderfully slow, addictive, slightly dream-like story with lots of details that will imprint themselves on your memory. IMO, this is what poetic but not overdone should look like. Besides, the story is lovely, although not light. Wonderful reading!
As Children Often Do, by Lux (escapisms) (or here) #
NC-17. Summary: Harry gets sick of the way Snape is always picking on Neville and the other Gryffindors. So they strike a deal. Warning: chan.
An Awfully Odd Adventure, by DementorDelta (or here) ##
R, AU. crossover with Peter Pan; pseudo-chan. Summary: Harry Potter as a Lost Boy, Severus Snape as a certain pirate captain.
First of all - I don’t like Peter Pan. So sue me. I read it for the first time just a couple of years ago. It’s difficult to fall for a children book at my age, so I just thought wistfully: “If only I had had it when I was a child…” It didn’t put me off when I found this story though ‘cos I liked some other fics of Dementor Delta’s. AOA is whimsical. I suppose you can imagine Snape as Captain Cook but what about anything else? To find out how perfectly HP can be blended with Peter Pan you should read it. Believe me, it’s fascinating. Now look at the rating and warnings. DD is an acknowledged master of writing consensual chan and making it as sweet and innocent as possible. The story is pure pleasure. Enjoy!
A teaser:
Then Harry discovered a smile didn’t make the frightful face any less so either. “Oh, you’re just delicious, aren’t you?”Harry swallowed hard, studying the menacing features, or trying to. There were lacings on the white linen shirt too, not quite done up at collar and cuffs. “I don’t know.”
The smile stretched the face in unpleasant ways. “I’ll let you know.”
Green eyes widened. “Do pirates eat children?” Such facts hadn’t been mentioned in ‘Neverland: A History’.
Be Careful What You Wish For, by Isis (or here) #
NC-17. Summary: Harry decides he wants Snape — and then changes his mind. Maybe. Romance, dubious consent.
Benefits, by SchemingReader #
Snape/Harry, NC-17, ~9600 words. Genre: Postwar, Hurt/Comfort. Prompt: Ritual. Summary: Harry dreams that Snape is alive and needs his help. But can Snape survive Harry’s ’saving people thing’?
Clueless!Harry and virgin!Harry are taken to the extreme to a great effect, angst and loveliness are stirred in, Luna is starring as matter-of-fact-ness personified. The result is awesome fun.
“No, I meant that the Professor could take in Harry’s semen by mouth,” Luna said. “A blowjob, Harry.”
“Yeah, right,” Harry said. “Like people really do that.”
It’s also lovely and moving. SchemingReader’s style doesn’t always work for me but when it does, it evokes a multilayered emotional response. Like here. Real pleasure to read!
Bête Noire, by Faire Weather (also here or here; locked) #
NC-17. Warnings: Slash (obviously) and one other one which I won’t say because it will completely ruin the plot. It might be squicky to some, so I warn you in advance. No mpreg. Summary: Everyone’s got a skeleton or two in their closet.
Sequel: Entre Nous (or here, locked).
I can’t believe I never recced these two fics. They are twisted, perverted in the best way, and utterly delightful. Aubrem in her post called this Snape “batshitinsane!Snape,” which I believe to be a perfect expression to describe him and which reminded me of how much I liked these stories. They only seem better on rereading. It’s not an angst fest. There are angsty moments in this fic, but mostly I notice the elegance of construction, the charm of the concise writing and the wonderful conflict of Snape’s interpretation of reality vs what really is. Pleasure to read!
Between a Rock and a Hard Place, by Isolde (cursive) (or here) #
NC-17. Summary: Something new is discovered about Harry’s link to Voldemort and Sirius must beg Snape to marry Harry. Finished. Written before OotP. Warning: underage.
A Bird in Hand, by I Got Tired of Waiting (or here) #
PG-13. Summary: Harry never can stay out of trouble and discovers something about Snidgets–the mes-mes-messy way. Written in response to Nimori’s Animagus Challenge : Art and Fic. Based on Snidget artwork by ac1d6urn: Snidget!Harry.
I’ve pointed to this story among my favourite Animagus fics. Snidget!Harry and his tiny chirrup-y adventures. Funny and impossibly cute!
Blood Donor, by Predatrix # (password-protected)
NC-17. At SS/HP Fuh-Q Fest at kardasi.com, wave 2. For password join the Kardasi-security y!group.
Both Sides Now, by Predatrix #
NC-17. Summary: Two viewpoints make up both sides of a story. Warning: underage.
The text is divided in two columns that show two POVs (on the left is Snape’s and the right one is Harry’s) during the same scene. You can read the left column and then the right, you can read only one of them, or you can glance there and back. As a result, it’s really amusing when you see what is the same and what is different. Funny story, well-written and very enjoyable.
Bottoms Up, by Aucta Sinistra (also here and here) #
NC-17. Summary: Harry-in-disguise meets Snape-on-holiday.
Bound and Determined, by Chazpure #
NC-17. Warnings: As requested: forced magical bonding, first-time, rimming, bottom-Snape, plot.
This is a wonderfully done forced magical bonding, with many charming details. I loved how the author began this fic, how they led Harry and Snape to where they got, the spell, the locations, the emotions. It’s a really lovely fic. To quote Cordelia_v, “this is the sort of story that gives fluff a good name”.
I did think it was a bit under-realised though. Not in a bad way, mind, just there are some wonderful things in this fic that IMO would profit if they had more space to be shown in all their glory: Animagus!Snape that could play a bigger part, more Tuscany, and such. But it’s a really pleasant reading as it is!
Briar Nose, by Isis (or here) #
PG-13; AU. Summary: A sweet and funny Potterverse version of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. Except she’s not beautiful, she’s not sleeping, and, well, maybe ’she’ isn’t the right word…
I like the idea of fairy tale Xovers. If well done, they are either funny or simply charming. Briar Nose is both. One might think that it’s easy to transfer HP characters into a classical fairy tale universe: essentially, modern fantasy-fiction of HP type is a late heir to folk mythology. But this easiness is tricky. If one wants to create something really worthwhile, they should take elements of both universes and combine them so that the result equally reminds both and differs from them, and at the same time has something unique. Isis [I’d say, naturally] manages to create this ‘third’ something. It’s also very difficult to stay in style, which Isis does perfectly well.
Why the hell am I theoretizing? It’s unfair to use all these dry words speaking of Briar Nose. It’s charming, it’s brilliant, it’s amazing - like the very best fairy tale. And ironic. Just go read it!
A teaser:
In the village of Gryffindor there lived a boy named James Potter. He had hair as black as ebony, and eyes as dark as the night sky, and was generally acknowledged to be a fine-looking, good-natured lad who would doubtless grow up into a fine-looking, good-natured man. He had many friends, both in Gryffindor and in Slytherin, but the one who concerns us in this story is Severus Snape.
The Burning Time, by LoupGarou1750 (or here) []
Hard R. Summary: Circumstance allows Harry to escape a fatal conflagration, but he can’t escape Snape. War time fic. Warnings: Dark, Hurt/Comfort.
There’s not much plot in this story, but the imagery is so weird and vivid that it stands out. It’s a dystopic future fic, and although it’s rather angsty, angst is far not the thing I remember best. It’s bizarre and memorable. Just read it.
Caged, by Sparrowhawk #
NC-17. Summary: “A robin redbreast in a cage puts all heaven in a rage.” –William Blake. There are all kinds of cages, and all kinds of ways to escape them.
Canvas Kissing Fool, by Arachnete02 #
PG-13. Summary: “Deep down in the dungeons is a secret, Severus is keeping off from everyone.” Warning: character death.
This fic is absolutely unforgettable. The imagery is so vivid, so original, so beautiful and bittersweet that I ask you to overlook the small language imperfections it has.
The Care Of Infants, by Perfica (Stellahobbit) ##
NC-17. Summary: A curse from Voldemort regresses Harry to infancy. Snape must protect him while the Order tries to find a way to reverse the spell. Warnings: Chan 16-18.
The Challenge, by Cybele (or here) ##
NC-17.
First of all, Cybele can write. I mean it. She can do it absolutely brilliantly. This story is also brilliant. Or at least its first half. The dialogues, charactersation, characters’ interactions are excellent. The plot catches you and doesn’t let go. No superfluous philosophy, nothing beyond necessary (and it’s a precious gift!), the collision is taken and resolved perfectly. Very dynamic.
Seventh year studens take part in a traditional competition before the leaving feast where they have to respond to the challenges from their rivals. An artful Draco Malfoy asks Griffindors to kidnap Professor Snape. Harry, as a captain of his team, has to take responsibility. It’s hilarious, it’s tender, it’s one of the best HP stories I’ve read.
The ending, though, in my opinion, is just not as brilliant as the first half. The impression is that the author exhausted all her special reserves of fantasy and – no less important – diligence and wrote the sex-scene as a very habitual thing, without much effort, knowing, probably, that she can do it. She doublessly can, but it turned out to be weaker than the first two-thirds of the fic. But still, it is one of my most beloved HP stories.
Challenged, by AbstractConcept # (locked)
R. Summary: Severus leaps to conclusions, and Harry finds himself suffering from a bad case of the Snapes. In my never-ending quest to parody Snarry plot cliches, I target disabled!Harry.
Oh, this is a funny fic! As for me, one of the best in AbstractConcept’s series of cliche-fic parodies. When I saw that it was a parody of the disabled!Harry cliche, I expected anything but what met me in this fic. Can’t really say anything about the plot ‘cos as Snape “leaps to conclusions” of what is wrong with Harry, so do you, but it’s such a pleasure to fall for the author’s tricks! Very amusing!
Charmed, I’m Sure, by Scheming Reader and Your Cruise Director #
NC-17. Summary: On the eve of the final battle, Harry wonders whether someone has him under a spell. Why else would he want to shag Severus Snape?
Hot, lovely, slightly ridiculous, funny and awww. Wonderful clueless!Harry, wonderful Snape who’s always a teacher. Very enjoyable reading!
Childe Harry to the Dark Tower Came, by Isolde (or here) ##
NC-17. Summary: A risky potion is botched and, acting as an unstable portkey, transports Harry and Snape back in time to a seedy Wizarding village (before it became Hogsmeade) where they must assume a Master/slave relationship while trying to escape. Written before OotP. Warnings: Ambiguous Consent, Chan 16-18, Dom/Sub Relationship.
This fic is an old favourite of mine. I’ve re-read it recently and thought that if somebody has somehow missed it, it would do good to point to it. Besides Isolde’s excellent writing, the story has a most fascinating plot. It’s a time-travel fic, but this fic is unlike any other that uses the time-travel cliche. Isolde brings us to the depths of history and shows us - once again, contrary to most time-travel fics that reproduce the past as the present, only in different decorations - that another era means other *ways of thinking*, that people in the past had different ideas, traditions and views. That the dangers of appearing in the past are far more complicated and literal that the mere possibility of paradox. And don’t forget the amazingly written Snape/Harry relationship, rich with nuances and shades. Excellent fic!
Circumstances Most Uncommon, by Sansa #
R, AU. Summary: “Homeopathic healer, Severus Snape, lives an ordered life. That is, until a young man named Harry Potter comes to his shop looking for a cure for his visions.”
Sansa is good at inventing clever concepts when working with the plots that seem to be awfully cliche. She has written an unusual time travel, strange magical places or — what she does here. You ask what? Heh, I won’t tell. You’ll start reading an interesting non-magic AU that will turn out to be something else entirely. I really enjoyed it.
Clause And Effect, by Kalena #
Soft R. For Beth H.’s prompt: “a modified [non-apocalyptic] Last Night scenario where time is running out. Partner A has a long list of things to do and wants partner B to help him. Partner B only has one item on his list, and won’t tell what it is.”
I love fics where one of them is the other’s employer. Here Snape works for Harry’s perfume shops. Fun, lovely, wonderfully IC Snape. The author says “7,100 Words of Snape-Flavoured Fluff.” Can you believe it? You better do! The story is a customary, Snape-made balm to the soul. Absolutely wonderful!
Clay, by Kass (or here) #
R. Summary: In which the fight against You-Know-Who continues. And there is mysticism. And eventually shagging.
Come Out Of The West, by Perfica #
Snape/Harry, NC-17, ~9000 words. Genre(s): Alternate Reality. Prompt(s): St Mungo’s, Miles To Go Before I Sleep. Summary: Spending time with an injured man causes a bored Harry Potter to rethink his options in life.
Incredibly tender and charming. I’m wary of reading non-magic AUs because too often they have neither charm nor good characterisation, but this one was so, so lovely! Harry works as a orderly in the St. Mungo’s Private Hospital, during his night shifts entertaining an insomniac professor of literature Snape, who’s been run over by a car. The story has two timelines: when Snape is in the hospital and afterwards. Absolutely awwwsome :)
The Continuance of Necessity, by Trifles # (locked)
NC-17. A/N: For the May Fantasy Fest, aestus_ requested: “harry/sev nc17. 6th or 7th year, hp hates ss, but thrown together (not dentention) OTP business perhaps? hp wears eyeliner. harry afraid but turned on by snape’s violence, can’t understand his attraction. plenty of snark. no fluff or vamp fics, PLEASE.”
Corvus Corone, by Rinsbane [] (locked)
NC-17. Summary: Crows. Harry sees crows all over the place, not that he believes in omens or anything. Time and war march forward. Post-Hogwarts. Wartime fic.
The Cost of Living, by Sansa (or here) #
NC-17. Summary: The world moves on. Snape and Harry linger. Snarry Games entry. Team: Postwar. Genres: Angst & Romance. Prompt: Casualty of War.
As I said in my feedback, I should know by now whose fics to browse when I want to see a crazy idea transformed into an interesting story. Sansa surprises her readers with strange plots and ideas quite often, even when writing something very cliched. The idea in this fic is also of that kind: crazy but somehow also very self-suggesting, so I wonder how I’ve never before come across a fic where it would be explored. I’m pulling the wool over your eyes, yeah. I don’t want to spoil the plot. But anyway, this is what I call a pleasantly strange story, or so it was for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Crazy Man Michael, by Amanuensis (or here) ##
NC-17. Summary: “O, where is the raven that I struck down dead?” For the 2006 Snarry Games Angst Team, prompt “Masquerade.”
Killed me dead, very subtly though — I almost didn’t notice. One of my strongest fic impressions this year and currently my top-1 fic among Amy’s, which is saying a lot. IMO, this fic is perfect, and perfectly angsty. This is what I want from an angsty story: to creep in on me, plant itself iniside and make me all tormented and sad when I remember it.
Credulity and Conviction, by Fox (darthfox) []
Sequel: Best Man
NC-17. Summary: Harry makes a startling discovery. And then another. And then another. Part of the series that contains other pairings.
The Crypt, by Ptyx #
NC-17. Summary: Snape is NOT Harry’s father, but Harry thinks he is. Warnings: It’s a little kinky!
Playing with Snarry and Severitus in one fic is my huge fic kink, so I started enjoying this story right from the summary. I think I’ll quote my feedback, with some corrections.
It was very enjoyable, and maybe I have a weird sense of humour, but I found it hysterically funny in places. Every time Harry reasoned that “after all, Snape was his father,” I couldn’t help giggling. And at this line I burst into outright laughter: “Talk to your friends. I’m not your father.”
The Cure, by Dracofiend (or here) ##
Sequel: All Good Things (or on LJ)
PG-13. Summary: After the war, Harry needs eight months in St. Mungo’s and Professor Snape’s cure.
Incredibly lovely and pleasant story. Slow, subtle build of the relationship, Snape and Harry that are wonderfully In Character, delightful dialogue. I’m amazed that I didn’t rec this fic as soon as it was posted. Go read!
The Cure, by Nimori (or here) #
NC-17. Summary: After Voldemort’s defeat, Snape regains his freedom — and he knows exactly what he wants to do with it. Now if the rest of the world would just cooperate… Warning: underage.
A Cure for Frost, by AbstractConcept []
Snape/Harry, R, ~8500 words. Summary: Harry breaks a mirror and subsequently finds himself in possession of a small snow cloud. It’s Snape’s responsibility to cure the boy, whether he wants it or not. Warnings: Chan (Harry is fifteen), AU, set in the middle of Book 5.
I found this fic interesting rather than liked it, but I enjoyed reading it. Also, I’m sure I know the author because how many writers do you know who write Snarry and play with words and phrases in this way? The story is a tribute to Andersen’s Snow Queen: a shard of an enchanted mirror penetrates Harry’s body, and now his heart is frozen. What’s interesting here is magic: the storm cloud, how it behaves, how it affects Harry, those around him, and even the world outside. A crazy idea made into an interesting story. Pleasure!
Cursed Artefacts For Sale, by Icarus #
PG-13. Summary: Severus drags Harry to a Wizarding auction. “Collecting Cursed Artefacts is a registered form of madness in the Compendium of Wizarding Mental Disorders and Other Things That Make You Twitch,” Severus said, “like most compulsions to collect. But it’s very a popular one and I plan to beat everyone else to it.” Part of the Primer to the Dark Arts universe.
Daddy’s Boy, by LoupGarou1750 (or here) #
NC-17, series in progress; smut/humour. Warnings: Snarry Severitus Chan. That translates into incest and underage.
Pervy and funny. I love Snarry Severitus (duh) and this fic is written in one of the ways I love it best: a light-hearted, wrongn-wrong-wrong, comic tale with an awfully perverted and ridiculous Snape. Not for everybody, definitely, but those who don’t mind chan or incest, go ahead. It’s fun and delightful! And it’s for me-me-me (among others), squee :)
Dandelions, by Sinick and Ac1d6urn (also here or here) []
NC-17. Summary: Amid the deadly work of hunting and destroying horcruxes, Harry learns to hold on to hope, and to a Death Eater only he knows is a deep-cover agent.
Angsty, sad and lovely warfic. A bit overly formal in how the theme of dandelions goes through the fic, but still the metaphor works really well, leaving an overall pleasant impression. Wonderful narrative intonation. Enjoyable story.
A Day And A Half In The Life, by DementorDelta #
NC-17. Summary: “Snape and Harry have always had a very complicated history.”
Another story I can’t believe I forgot to rec. I reread it recently and was utterly charmed again. This is a trademark short story of Delta’s: unimposing, quiet, well-written, and it captures you despite not being dramatic at all. I love this fic!
Before he could slide his eyes away, a house-elf popped in, just beside Potter’s unanchored leg. With a jolt and a word Potter probably had never used in front of any of his teachers, save Snape, he tumbled over backwards, straight into Snape’s lap.
Startled silence overtook the staff room, as though every pair of lungs in the room was holding its breath. Even the house-elf, used to being treated kindly, cowered close to Longbottom’s leg. Snape instinctively tried to move backward, but, caught up short by the unyielding back of the chair, found his fingers digging into the cheerful rose pattern of the arms.
Potter squirmed, trying to right himself, then blinked as he caught sight of Snape. His legs, still hooked over the wide arm, flailed until he realized he was just making things worse. Then his eyes, behind the round glasses he still wore, drooped languidly, and a half smile touched his mouth.
“Oh, hello, Snape,” he said, “I was wondering when you’d turn up.”
Death Isn’t The Handicap It Used To Be, by Reddwarfer #
PG. Summary: Snape knows that Potter is never a choice.
This story is a bit strange, in a very appealing way. Harry is in coma for a large part of the story, so it’s Snape who is the star here. And is he a star! So Snape-ish and grumpy, so funny and sweet. Yes, sweet! And not OOC. I also loved the storytelling manner. Awwwsome!
Denial, by drachenmina #
Snape/Harry (some Harry/Draco and Harry/Ginny mentioned), NC-17, ~8700 words. Summary: Harry definitely isn’t gay, and Severus certainly doesn’t care about him.
The very beginning hooked me: Harry comes to the Auror trainee canteen and everybody’s looking at him, laughing behind their hands. Of course I wanted to know what it was about. And I liked how it was written, so it’s not like I had to overcome myself for the sake of my curiosity. What it was about turned out intriguing too. But in the end, I simply liked the story even though it has a feature I usually hate: switching POVs, often in the middle of the scene. So why does it annoy me to no end in another fic and didn’t make me mind it here? I don’t really know. I simply liked the intonation the author used. I loved Harry who’s in a deep spot of trouble and Snape who’s tired of being a bastard (very believably so!). Draco’s cameos spice it up nicely. And the ending is like a cup of hot tea after a long walk. Wonderful story!
Disarmed and The Key to the Kingdom, by Luthien #
R and NC-17. Summary: Snape attempts to deal with the loss of that which he values most. and Other issues require resolution in the wake of Voldemort’s defeat. A sequel to Disarmed.
Down From The Garden, by Eledhwen (angeleledhwen) []
NC-17. For the SnapexHarryML Writing Contest. Challenge – Snape and Harry are caught in the rain, far from Hogwarts, without their wands.
Dragon-Blind, by Thamiris (or here) []
NC-17. Summary: PWP, dark, dirty, and dubiously consensual. Harry wants Snape to be kinder, but Snape obliges on his own terms. Set during PoA.
Drawings, by Juxian Tang #
R. Summary: Harry gets something as a keepsake.
Drunken Disorderly, by Mac (ausmac) (or here) #
NC-17. Summary: When a drunken Harry and a sober Snape meeet at a party some years later, an amusing chain of events is set in motion.
Light, amusing, well-written fic where the characters drink more than they should have, get into embarrassing situations, trick one another, and it all ends well to mutual satisfaction. A pleasure to read a fic like this every once in a while. I particularly liked the interaction and talk of a sober Snape and drunk Harry, it was funny. Very pleasant reading.
Drunken Domesticity, by Icarus (or here) #
PG. Summary: Post-Hogwarts Ron has a midnight visitor - when will Harry learn to call ahead? This, my friends, is a friend. Features Ron’s observations on the Ministry, Harry’s sex life and the infamous WUC.
Duty Calls, by Elanor Isolda #
NC-17. Summary: Drafted in to save the wizarding world from peril, Harry and Snape cross paths in a most unusual situation.
The fic is, basically, a PWP but with an amusing premise. It’s mostly this premise (and Hermione of course!) that make it such fun. But fun it is! Hermione found a way to thwart the Ministry’s plans to install Marriage Law that is intended to prevent the reducing of the wizarding population. A Muggle way of course, because Muggles have been dealing with such problems for years. Harry, as a wizarding icon and best friend, is called to help. Light reading, with some clever observations and details, will make you giggle. Very enjoyable.
The Edge of a Razor, by Acadia (likeaglass) [] (password-protected)
NC-17, Non-magic AU. Part of the HP/SS Fuh-Q-Fest Wave X For password join the kardasi-security yahoo!group. Summary: Snape, an undertaker who is more dead than alive, is inexplicably drawn to his newest client - one Mr. Harry Potter, a famous footballer whose husband died under mysterious circumstances.
Can you not read about undertaker!Snape? :) Have a quote:
Monday, June 12, 2006
YORK - Mr. Draco Corvis Malfoy, 27, of N. Kings Lane, passed away unexpectedly at his home early yesterday evening.
A prominent member of society, he is survived by his husband, Mr. Harry James Potter, 26.
Funeral arrangements are pending and entrusted to the funeral home of Weasley, Weasley, Weasley, Weasley, Weasley, Weasley, & Weasley. All flowers and condolences should be sent to Weasley, Weasley, &c, c/o Mr. Severus Snape
I was totally charmed by the name of the company. It’s an amusing fic, a bit weird. I can’t say I quite bought Harry’s characterisation, but the story was interesting to read.
Edited, by Predatrix #
NC-17. Summary: An answer to Dixiebell’s challenge, what if Harry was writing saucy comments on his essays he handed in to Snape?
Entertaining Notions, by DementorDelta #
Snape/Harry, NC-17, ~5200 words. Warnings: Silliness, fluff, abuse of canon. CHAN, AU. Summary: Harry needs rather intensive lessons to bring him up to speed.
Part of Santa’s Lap fest, AU in which sex magic is taught at Hogwarts and Snape’s teaching it for the boys who are gay/think they are gay/might be gay. Harry thinks he is gay. Snape thinks it’s a ruse and is all set to disabuse Harry of the notion. Amusing, lovely and awfully hot. Delightful!
An Evening at Le Maison, by Jay Tryfanstone (or here) ##
PG-13. Summary: Restaurant fiction. Post HBP.
This is a master class of fic! Fabulous, wonderful, so charming I think my smile can light my room. Incredibly written! No words of mine can do it justice, so just go read!
Every Wand I’ve Ever Sold, by Diagonalist #
PG-13. Snarry Games entry. Team: Postwar. Genres: Romance + Hurt/Comfort. Prompt: Ollivander’s. Summary: Ollivander is the only person who even knows Harry’s name any more, until Snape comes along.
Nobody remembers Harry. Except Ollivander but one wouldn’t call it remembering, not really, because it’s simply creepy. Nobody remembers Voldemort either. But then one day Harry runs into Snape who does, indeed, remember him. The fic is so lovely and pleasantly strange, the Harry that Diagonalist writes is so wonderfully, I don’t know, naive? — no, scratch that, just not quite on the same page with what’s happening around him. It’s a pleasure to read, intriguing and wonderfully written. And I really like the title.
Extra Lessons, by megyal []
Snape/Harry, PG. Summary: Harry wants to seduce his teacher. The teacher doesn’t mind.
The beginning is neither here nor there, so I started reading it and quit. But then a friend whose taste in fiction I trust recced it, and I gave it another try. And you know, the further the better. In the middle I wasn’t even sure what it was that I didn’t like at the beginning. It’s understated and unhurried, the dialogue is wonderful, the characters are believable, too, especially Snape — so Snapeish! I don’t quite understand how Harry came to wanting what he wants but it’s not necessary to know everything about the characters to enjoy the story. And it is quite enjoyable.
The Familiar, by Resonant ##
Sequel: Wellspring
NC-17. Summary: A potion goes awry.
As for me, it’s just the best story in the fandom. It’s odd, but the oddity has almost unidentifiable nature. It isn’t in the plot, which is, btw, quite banal - a potions accident: thanks to it, two weeks before their graduation and after the victory in the war against Voldemort, Harry is turned into a frog and has to spend the summer in a water bowl in Snape’s rooms. It’s not in Harry’s or Snape’s characterisation – such thing as Harry’s post-war withdrawal is not unusual for HP fiction; Snape? also within the ‘normal’ characterisation rank.
The peculiarity is in *how* it’s all done. Resonant proves that an author can do anything, can write using as trivial things as he/she wishes and nevertheless create a great story. If, of course, he/she *can* write.
The narration is slow and the changes are subtle, the atmosphere is clear and transparent like cool but sunny summer day, the humour is gentle. And the story is absolutely perfect, flawless. And unforgettable.
I wish Resonant wrote more HP.
Family Night, by Lynnzo []
Sequel: The Morning After
PG. Summaries: “A quiet night before tomorrow” and “My take on the final battle with Voldemort, and its aftermath.”
I like the first fic better because I don’t usually like when we are shown how Harry defeats Voldemort; I often don’t believe in it. Here in the 2nd fic it wasn’t something that unbelievable, just not very impressive. But the first fic has some quite charm that made me remember it. Some can consider it boring because nothing happens there, but I liked it.
The Fire Escape, by Rinsbane # (locked)
NC-17. Summary: “Post-war. On summer nights, Snape sits on his fire escape and watches the pageant across the street. Featuring cross-dressing Harry.”
Rinsbane is yet to write a Snarry fic that I don’t like. When I come across a crazy plotbunny or idea, and it’s that sort of idea that can be turned into either a fabulous story or a really bad one, I often imagine that it could be written by Rinsbane, and then it sure will be an excellent, original fic. In this story, Snape lives in a Muggle neighbourhood that is full of rundown buildings and clubs and brews natural cosmetics for a small company. The writing is atmospheric but at the same time very precise.
A boy in a dress approaches the entrance and stands outside, as if unsure.
His appearance catches Snape’s eye, and Snape almost winces on his behalf. He can’t see his face clearly from the fire escape – the boy’s not in the light – but he’s obviously new at this. His stance is uncomfortable, one leg bent as it shouldn’t be, especially not in that dress. The dress itself is all wrong, the wrong color, the wrong cut, the wrong fabric. It’s blue and baggy and cotton.
“Christ,” mutters Snape. He’s picking up the Muggle expressions of his childhood again. After spending his teenage years and most of his adulthood expressly not saying them, he’s found that they help him blend in around here. A silent man is much more suspicious than one who walks down the street swearing under his breath in these parts.
Dreamy, sexy, quiet, incredible quality-wise but very credible in the subtle characterisation and plot.
First Time Caller, by Lydia Lovestruck []
NC-17. Challenge for the Harry Potter Severus Snape Fuh-Q Fest From Dusk til Dawn: #102. Snape moonlights on a 1-900 number. Harry calls.
A longish PWP. Anonymous phone sex. Harry’s coming to terms with his sexuality. One day, when in town, he took an advert of a gay sex line from a phone box. Now when the Weasleys had a Muggle phone installed in their shed, he decides it’s time to try it. Sweet and hot.
First Time’s the Worst, by Diana Williams #
NC-17. Summary: “When Voldemort makes plans involving a sort of virgin sacrifice, drastic measures must be taken.”
Do you like funny fics involving someone’s virginity? Who doesn’t! Well, this is it. Fun, and double fun (read to find out how!), and some fluff, everything to guarantee your good mood.
Flight, by Sushi #
R. Summary: Very loosely based on The Diary of Anne Frank, in the darkest of all possible futures, the wizarding world has only one concern: survival.
A wonderfully gloomy, pessimistic story, telling us what happened 20 years after the side of Light had won. Sushi is prolific and I haven’t read all of her works. Of those I have read, I, naturally, adore some and don’t like some, as it happens with any writers, be it original prose of fanfic. This story just stayed in my mind and refused to leave, as it happens with those fics of hers I like the best.
Fly-fishing for Beginners, by Jay Tryfanstone (also here or here) ##
R. Summary: Books, few owls and very little magic. Predates HBP.
This story is adorable. It’s set post-war in Muggle surroundings; it’s odd and very stylistically pleasing. Heartily recommended!
Fool, by Kass #
NC-17. Summary: Harry has a crush on Snape. April Fool?
For Things Not at Hand, by Empathic Siren (or here) #
R. Warnings: Character death, but not Harry or Severus. Summary: “What gets you through the despair, the loneliness, the fear? What do you set your sights on? How do you find the courage to hope when all seems lost?” OC Mediwitch; we can also see the process of healing Dark Magic-induced injures.
Wonderful story. I wasn’t sure I’d like it when I started reading it — such a peaceful scene, you know, and looks like established relationship, which I don’t like. But it began alternating timelines and going deeper and deeper in Snape and Harry’s history. Small details of war and Harry’s struggle for victory started coming up, so I started falling in love with it and by the middle I was already thinking, duh, what’s not to like? So by the end I was quite charmed. The story is bittersweet but hopeful, and I liked the narration and the characters, and although Snape seemed rather mellowed at times, I believed in him. Very pleasant reading!
Forsaking All Others, by Beth H. (also here) #
NC-17. Snarry Games entry. Team: Wartime. Genres: Angst and Hurt/Comfort. Prompt: Hostile Territory. Summary: “The war giveth and the war taketh away. Or not…if Harry has anything to say about it.”
There must be exceptions to every rule. This story is one of the exceptions to my not liking established relationship stories. I loved magic here: a very interesting curse and equally interesting magic to counter it, and I liked how they highlighted the relationship. Lovely, snarky, delightful!
Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails, by Llama (or here) ##
PG. Summary: One day each year, Harry Potter and Severus Snape call a truce.
Garish, by Rube (or here) []
NC-17. Summary: Snape wrestles with his demons on Harry’s sixteenth birthday. Warning: underage.
Gets It from His Father, by AbstractConcept # (locked)
Sequel: Comes From (A Good Family), both NC-17. Warnings: Severitus Incest and Chan. Snape discovers Harry is enduring unspeakable suffering with the Dursleys, so he takes him back to Hogwarts. If Harry’s going to suffer at anyone’s hands, it’ll be his. In my quest to parody every major Snarry plot, I target the Severitus Incest fic, with a sprinkling of Snape rescuing Harry from the Dursleys.
Severitus incest! Snape and Harry have hot monkey sex, then find out that Snape is Harry’s father. This fic is a parody, although not the most obvious one - just a few details here and there to emphasize the point. I couldn’t help giggling every time Harry’s changed hair was mentioned, the further the funnier. Or maybe I just liked the incestous part better than the rescue :)
Give and Take, by Merri-Todd Webster #
NC-17.
One day Snape isn’t at dinner. Harry goes for him and finds him hanging from the ceiling, tied and half-death. Snape is a vampire whose donor has died. Harry offers himself as a donor.
This is one of a *few* vampire fics I like because it’s done well. Its structure isn’t straight, there are flashes of the future mingled with the present. And those flash-scenes are… ahem… hot. It’s a good story, go read.
Going Postal, by Beth H (or here) #
PG-13. Summary: Years after his death, Albus Dumbledore still has the uncanny ability to pester people, as Severus and Harry will soon discover.
Wonderful light story with amusing, charming, original magic. It won’t shake the foundations of your world but the delight of reading a fic like this is worth a lot, IMO. Awww-worthy and fun!
A Good Buy, by Minx (miraminx) (or here) ##
NC-17. Summary: The Gryffindors hold a slave auction. Guess who buys Harry? Warning: underage.
new Goodnight, Moon, by Lotrwariorgodss #
Harry/Snape side-plot, soft R, ~11K words. Warnings: Inadvertent psychological/emotional/physical abuse of a child, language, allusions to sexual activities (between consenting adults), umm angst? Summary: When Harry finds out Teddy’s inherited more from Remus than his love for books, he is forced to make some difficult decisions. But what happens when his dedication gets a little out of hand? Will he lose the people he loves most?
It’s an unusual take on Harry as a parent but I could totally believe in him. It looks like his brand of pigheadedness and obsessiveness ‘cos his ability to rationalise his course of action once he’s chosen it, despite anything that his trusted friends say, is very much him, IMO. It’s an engaging story, and although it’s Snarry, I found the other part, the things about Teddy and Harry as a parent, more interesting.
The (Happy) Half-Blood Prince, by Amanuensis #
PG. Summary: A heart made of lead, and a Swallow longing for lotus-flowers, and no Mystery so great as Misery. Written for the hp_fairytales fest. An HP take on Oscar Wilde’s The Happy Prince.
Wouldn’t you like a new good Snarry? How about a new Snarry from Amanuensis? I didn’t even hope for a thing like this! I can’t say much at six in the morning, but it’s absolutely wonderful! Amy weaves her story in such a way that the change in the protagonists is subtle, nearly unnoticeable but very believable, even more — natural. Oscar Wilde’s tale is worked right into the story, so cleverly and also subtly. Gosh, I loved it! It’s warm, humane and emotional. Remembering Wilde’s story and knowing Amy’s writing power, I expected to cry until I hiccup by the end of it. Let me just tell you that I didn’t :/ Once again, loved it!
new Halfway, by Ravenna C Tan #
Harry/Severus, with a touch of Severus/Sirius, sort of (you’ll see), NC-17, ~10K words. Warnings: AU, sort of. Summary: When you’re amnesiac and in the care of the state, you spend a lot of time trying not to think about why the boy named Harry Potter seems familiar to you…
It’s for you to decide whether it’s a Muggle AU or post-war story with an unexplained pre-story. The author gives hints but leaves it largely for readers’ interpretation. Whichever it is, it’s an amnesia plot. Multiplied ‘cos it’s a rehabilitation hospital, so more than one character have their memory messed up. I found the story very pleasant to read and curious.
Harry Potter and the Ill-Tempered Potions Master , by Dragon Light and DementorDelta (or here) []
NC-17; AU. Summary: Harry Potter meets the wizard of–something.
Harry the Potter & The Good Prince Severus the Pouty, by Odogoddess #
NC-17. Warnings: humour with the merest drop of angst and including - hair frottage, anal play, rimming, a hand job, and mention of happy porpoises having blowhole sex. Summary: The long captive good Prince Severus the Pouty finds handsome young Harry the Potter a most charming visitor…
Delicious! Delightfully wrong and cute as only a pervy fairy tale can be. And what’s better than a pervy fairy tale? IMO, nothing, especially if it’s written as wonderfully as this one. Funny, naughty, clever, charming!
Heaven and Earth, by The Moste Potente []
PG-13; discontinued WIP. Summary: Snape is sent back to earth in pursuit of love and deflowering after being poisoned.
Held After Class, by Jade []
NC-17. Or at Jade’s page. Jade’s HP fiction is password-protected. To get the password, join JadeFics y!group. Summary: Snape holds Harry after class, which is the beginning of a new relationship. Warning: underage.
Himself His Own Dungeon, by Beth H (bethbethbeth) #
Snape/Harry, Harry/Ginny implied, future Snape/Harry/Voldemort implied; NC-17, ~6400 words. DH-compliant. Summary: Snape isn’t quite as dead as everyone thinks. Neither is Voldemort.
It was like watching a proverbial train wreck! Compelling and crazy and creepy but wonderfully done! The author works with Harry’s obsessive side, taking it to its logical end. Harry keeps a comatose Snape alive and under Fidelius, and when the medical stuff of St Mungo’s admit that they can’t do anything for him, Harry takes him into his own home. Ginny isn’t pleased, which is reasonable on her part. Oh, if only Harry could see it this way! I liked both sides of the story, of how Harry’s retreating into his mind (or is he?) and how he’s drifting apart from his real family — and it’s fully DH-compliant, too, which was a bonus for me. Interesting story!
Honorary, by Tara Tory #
G. Summary: “Molly confronts Severus about Harry. Total fluff.”
Fluff indeed, but very pleasant. It’s not sickeningly sweet fluff, it’s an ideal comfort reading.
Hush, by Mia Ugly (or here) #
Soft R. Summary: Days are easier; Snape knows this now. Part of the From Dusk till Dawn Severus Snape/Harry Potter Fuh-Q-Fest at http://www.kardasi.com/HPSS/storyindex.htm Wave VIII. Challenge: La Petite Morte: Sex and Sensuality.
Hmmm… I have no idea how to rec this fic without spoiling it. I can’t say anything except sharing general impressions, honest. The genre is heavy angst. Very heavy. But then again, maybe not. Mia pushes the readers’ emotional buttons “hammer and tongs”, but as for me, it’s still not overdone. She writes a very dangerous scenario but somehow makes it work when it must have failed for sure. I really liked this story.
Hush, by Sushi #
R. Summary: For three years, Harry Potter has been able to see, feel, hear, smell, taste, and think. Without motion or voice, though, those around him strain to give him what he needs.
For three years Harry has been in St Mungo’s, completely paralyzed and unable to speak. Snape is Legilimens, he pays Harry regular visits to communicate with him. Every time Harry asks the same thing and every time Snape refuses. We can see only one side of the conversation, but it’s enough to show tensity, and despair, and irritation, and sparse tenderness, however uncomely it can seem for such a soulless bastard who enters the hospital suite to find there a crowd of Weasleys. Snape is exemplary Snape-ish, at least in public – no-one of us knows private Snape, and as for me, Suchi’s version is believable.
Teaser: “The images paused. (Snape found himself listening to Granger droning on about the Killing Curse, and had a sudden urge to use it on himself.) When they fell away, they left only a grey fog and a chill that Snape felt even on his skin. He pursed his mouth.
“For Merlin’s sake, boy,” he whispered. “You can do it. You’re too stubborn not to. Do you think I’d still bother to come here every day if I didn’t think you were capable?”
Hypocritic Oath, by Amanuensis (or here) #
NC-17. Summary: Harry’s not well. Neither is Snape. Warnings: Dark, Fetish/Kink, Non-Con, Non-Snarry Pairing.
I Just Remembered - I’m Harry, by Satalisat (or here) []
R. Summary: A translation from Russian. Harry’s loved ones try to deal with the aftermath of his killing Voldemort. Slash. Written in Harry’s POV. Warning: mental illness, disturbing.
This is a first person POV fic, the POV of an insane Harry. Only his view of events is shown. Quite a lot happens as you’ll be able to reconstruct from his tale if you pay attention. I was captured with the swings of his mood, persona/age and awareness of his surroundings. This fic reminded me of those creepy childhood rhymes, you know, amusing and sadistic at the same time.
I Know an Old Lady, by Rinsbane # (locked)
PG-13. Summary: Sometimes there are no answers, and sometimes there are too many. War is over. Good has triumphed over Evil. Good Citizens, those surviving, Flourish, while the Bad Men, those surviving, have been Put Away. Everything is as it should be. Isn’t it?
After his capture, Snape is sent to the New Facility, ‘a wonderful model of the future.’ The story is written in the best traditions of dystopia: the sinister details that slowly creep in on you, that lurk at the edges of description. This is a chilling, creepy story where a human has to face dehumanisation and fight it, but fight he does. So from a certain point the story is not as bleak as at the beginning; we are given hope. And then it’s a terrible relief, wonderful connection that almost physically lifts a burden from your shoulders — and a hopeful open ending. Wonderful story!
i stop somewhere waiting for you, by Zillah (visionshadows) #
PG-13. Summary: Snape ends up at Ron and Hermione’s to die. Warning: Death-fic.
Absolutely heartbreaking. Zillah digs to the very bottom of many deepest human emotions in a small fic where many would need a novel-length space to express the same. It’s unbearably tragic, I cried and wasn’t able to stop.
Zillah raises the most profound questions, like euthanasia. Is it OK to kill a dying man? And if he asks for it? Hermione and Ron have their own opinions about it. Read to find out who thinks what and how they deal with it.
Icon. Part I, Part II, by Rantipole (or here) #
NC-17. Warnings: Perversion of Religion, AU, non-con, chan, mild S/M, general wierdness. Summary: “Breath whispered over his lips and then, yes, into his mouth, lips warm against his own, breath that made his chest rise, filling him with helpless devotion.” (Warning: Misuse of Catholic ritual — Please don’t click if this squicks you!)
This is a seriously weird fic (or one could say, another weird fic from Rantipole :). Somebody on my f-list called it a combination of Pinoccio and Pygmalion, which sort of explains the plot (if it could be called plot). A wooden Harry is awakened by a knife carving him, scents in the room and hands on him. There’s something Hoffmann-esque in the air (or other Romantic-esque), sinister but enchanting. This fic is the definition of bizarre. I liked it a lot.
Idle Hands, by Nimori []
NC-17. Summary: Harry Potter’s Aunt Petunia always said the Devil finds work for idle hands, but what happens when the Devil has nothing to do? Warnings: chan, coercion, noncon.
Written in response to the challenge: Snape is helping out with the infirmary. For some reason Madam Pomfrey is unavailable. (Any child) gets hurt or becomes ill. During an examination the child becomes somewhat erect. Snape gets turned on and under the guise of medical treatment molests the child. But the child does not get that Snape is knowingly and deliberately doing anything to cause these sensations and is embarrassed and feels guilty.
I usually read chan quite calmly. The same with non-con/abuse/manipulation. So maybe I would read the combination of them in the same unwavering way but for the author. Nimori is good at writing disturbing things, and here in her story what makes me cringe and want to close my eyes but still doesn’t let me put the text aside is how well she does it. Her story is an example: just a [any] description, just a cruel scene written anyhow won’t [necessarily] make a reader believe; it’s fine details of characterisation, it’s the smallest nuances of behaviour and characters’ speech – in other words, it’s a really good literary work that will make the story stick to you and cause you shudder when you occasionally recall it.
If This Be Error, by Nimori #
NC-17. Snarry Games entry. Team: Wartime. Genre(s): Humour. Prompt: Oath of Fealty. Summary: Harry has a simple spell to guarantee Snape’s loyalty. Naturally, he makes a mess of it. Warning: underage.
I probably love Nim’s serious fics better than her humour but that’s not to say that I don’t like her humour. I do. This fic is light and delightful. Snarky and ridiculous (but never on the other side of believable), the story features an adopted senile snake (everybody’s favourite character here) and an amusing marriage bond. And Nim’s Snape is always a joy for a devoted reader! Pleasure!
The Importance of Recordkeeping for the New Entrepreneur, by Ad Baculum (or here) #
Others mentioned, NC-17. Summary: Severus finds himself learning the tricks of a new trade. Harry finds himself in need of a good tradesman. Warnings: Prostitution, cross-dressing, really bad dirty talk.
Snape keeps proper records even when working as a prostitute — and his work choice not-choice is entirely plausible here. Rare thing in prostitution fics, that. Of course it’s not plot that makes this fic. It’s writing, sure and… well, good. Simply good. And characterisation. Snape is very Snapeish even in such settings. Harry though I find even more interesting here. I wouldn’t say it’s canon Harry. But it’s the sort of Harry, ridiculous and lovely, that you meet in fics sometimes, very seldom. This Harry is so believable and appealing on his own that you forget all about canon, fanon, whatever. It ceases to matter. A very enjoyable, pleasant, and clever story!
The Impossible (Fear), by Libertine (luciusmalfoy) (or here) #
NC-17. Summary: “Snape’s fantasies about Harry are realized, but Lucius is there to tell him just what a mistake it could all be. (Complete)”
This fic doesn’t offer its reader definite borders of ‘versions’. It weaves suppositions: “Say we are fucking by water.” … “I say we are fucking by water and perhaps in water, perhaps waist deep, perhaps to our necks in it.” … “We meet in a bar and are attracted to each other; we go to my place and fuck.” … “Say we find a common interest and become friends. One night, whilst discussing the various advantages of — of the subject at hand — you sense something in my bearing.” As a result, all the versions are equal. The rhytm is bewitching, possibilities open up and take your breath. At some point you find yourself absolutely confused if anything happened or if they are all fantasies. The lists of pros and contras that Snape diligently writes in his journal are pathetic, heartbreaking. All in all, while confusing readers about what happened/didn’t happen, the fic tells them very much about Snape. Great reading, as for me.
In Bleak Midwinter, by Ociwen []
NC-17. Summary: Not another marriage fic!? The holidays take a turn for the worse when Harry is forced to marry Snape.
Everything is awfully messy, Harry is angry or even vindictive, Snape is repulsive, but there’s a Christmas spirit, however twisted. I enjoyed it, because, despite being a cliche-fic, it has something very memorable.
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities, by Leni Jess (or here) #
NC-17. Summary The war is over and won. Harry and Snape are both wounded (Snape almost to destruction), and reluctantly allowed their freedom. Harry’s Healer gives him a job, trusting a potential Dark Lord where few others would. For Harry and Snape, the only way out is through. Warnings Hurt/comfort, but anything too squicky is in the past.
Harry, who doesn’t initially want it at all, is made Snape’s minder. Snape is nearly a blank slate (or Pavlov’s dog, which would be closer to what was done to him), and so it falls to Harry to lead him from that to a nornal, Snape-ish Snape. The strory has wonderful, dreamy imagery and a complex, bitter Harry. It’s slow, angsty — or better to say very well balanced between angst and hope. And the ending — sniff, awww.
In Neglect, by Kessie #
NC-17. Warnings: angst, frottage, rimming.
After Calligraphy’s So Lonely Without Me, every Snarry where the two are locked in a room/house inevitably reminds of that novel. It’s not a bad resemblance, mind you. More like a respectful and intelligent remix. I liked how the reasons for their ‘imprisonment’ are gradually uncovered, making it imprisonment without quotation marks; how it all moves and what it comes to. Snape’s perspective worked for me very well. Wonderful, compelling reading!
An Inconvenient Affliction, by drachenmina #
Snape/Harry, NC-17, ~9300 words. Summary: Harry’s been kicked out by Severus and is having to share Ron and Hermione’s spare bed with Crookshanks. Who gets Kneazle Flu. Can things get any worse? Oh yes.
It’s totally a shipper’s fic, and established relationship too, which I don’t usually care about. But it’s also a cat!Harry sitcom which is exactly what I wanted to read, on that prompt. It’s hysterically funny. tuna 4 tea was my undoing, and the blowjob and the bath, gosh, I laughed until I cried! Wonderful light comedy!
Innocent When You Dream, by Zillah (visionshadows) []
NC-17; AU. Summary: period AU. Lord Malfoy’s footman has a thing for Lord Black’s stablehand.
The Invitation, part 2, by Rinsbane # (locked)
NC-17. Summary: One day nine years after the end of the war, Harry Potter knocked on Severus’ door. Severus reluctantly let him in. A lighthearted first time fic with invented wizarding traditions told from Severus’ POV.
A delightful, wonderful feel-good Snarry. You fluff lovers, go see how fluff should be done. This is how. Not “Oh Sevvie my love forever,” nor let’s hold hands and go into sunlight — who the heck ever believes it?
You won’t have to struggle to suspend your disbelief here; the author will do it for you. You’ll start reading with Snape the grouchy recluse and end with Snape and Harry contentedly snuggled in bed, never noticing the place where the change occured. ‘Cos there’s no *place*. The progress is very smooth.
There are many wonderful things in this fic: amusing, moving, truly interesting. There are fabulous spells, traditions and business. And charming and believable characters. Everything to your heart’s delight.
Just… awww! And my bow to the author for the quality :)
Jester King, by Vera (dragons_muse) []
PG; AU. Summary: “In a small kingdom, blood is spilled, a king flees and a legend is forged.”
Now this might be not for everybody. Vera’s stories seem to be mostly unbetaed, and it tells on them. But I beg you to overlook it for the sake of the story. Vera is one of the most bizarre — in the best sense — HP writers. Her imagination is whimsical, plot turns unexpected, and all in all her fics are so original that despite all the typos and grammar errors they are enjoyable. Give this fic a chance.
Knockturn in the Rain, by Dayse ##
NC-17; AU. Summary: Severus Snape meets Harry Potter in Knockturn Alley.Warnings: Character death, Chan.
I cry every time I read this story. I cry because it’s tragic and so well-done that when it delivers its punch, it’s impossible to hold back tears. There’s nothing cheap in there, no expression to make the readers roll their eyes in exasperation, which is all the more valuable given the type of scenario: Snape finds a young whore Harry in Knockturn alley.
It’s a short story, just a bit over 5,000 words but it brilliantly proves that one doesn’t need many words to evoke strong emotions or to show the warmth of relationship (very strange, even unconventional, but it works). I love the way the author takes canon conflict Harry vs Voldemort and makes it at the same time unobtrusive and essential. Because of the shortness of the piece, the economic way and precise intonation in which it all is put together, the eternal tragedy of destiny vs private existence becomes very focused and sharp.
The story will make you cry. But please, don’t shy away from it! They are good tears, the best you can shed. Cry for the poor, charming boy Harry. Cry for Severus. Cry for everything they had and didn’t have. These tears will make you a better person.
The Last Horcrux, by Alchemia (link to the main page) ##
R. A/Warnings: “The warnings are on the fic page and should be invisible unless you scross your mouse over them. I think it’s best read without knowing the warnings but if you’re sensitive to certain subjects, they are there.” Summary: “Voldemort has fallen, but Harry is still having nightmares.”
I highlighted the warnings but began reading anyway, having decided that such a short fic wouldn’t seriously hurt me. Yeah, right. A couple of well-chosen words, “lick” here, “smile” there, and I’m whimpering remembering it. This fic is distilled pain, perfect in its own way.
Learning to Speak, by ThreeSidedOrchid (synn) #
Snape/Harry, PG-13, ~10K words. Pre-slash. Genre(s): Romance. Prompt(s): Ashes of Youth, St. Mungo’s. Summary: “Most men spend their lives trying to either brush off the ashes of their youth, or rekindle them. The truth is that the only way to move forward is to accept them.”
Snape accidentally receives a letter addressed to … well, no-one actually. On a whim, he replies, thus beginning a correspondence with one of a war heroes kept in St Mungo’s special ward. Corresponding with an unknown person is an old cliché but it’s a very pleasing story, not the least of all thanks to Twit. What a wonderful OOC, meaning Original Owl Character (to use a ‘term’ by… Sinick?)! Totally made me melt! I also loved Harry floating on his broom and pushing from the walls and magical snapdragons. Lovely story, very warm, pleasantly romantic, with a nice, unhurried pace.
The Life Debt, by Rushlight (or here) #
NC-17. Summary: A wizard saves Harry’s life at great risk to his own, creating a life debt between them. As payment the wizard demands the use of Harry’s body once a week for a year. (HPCFC challenge #41, by