Reposting an interesting question

[christev]

sixpence_jones posted a great question, over at the sshg_newbies LJ. I like the question, and the answers posted so far, so much that I'm reposting her question here:

I would like you to tell me: What is it about the Hermione/Severus relationship that really makes you love them?
Is it the UST? The allure of the older man? The meeting of minds? Or is it the fact that we all

Comments

[bambu345]

In the early days of the SS/HG ship there were a lot of redemption stories ... that she was the end reward for his suffering and redemption. As canon grew, there was more of a meeting of minds between the two.

For me, I love the multifaceted aspects of their dynamics. The chronological age difference v. their maturity, the disparity of power, the ust in some cases.

Ultimately, as I've read and written in the ship I've come to believe that she is the only canon character who would work as a match for him. I can see her with other male characters -- never Ron -- but I don't see anyone else for him. I've read good Snape/OCs, but as far as the canon females, Hermione is the only one who has all the right ingredients to make them work long-term.

At least that's my .02.

And how are you feeling, dearest?

[christev]

Oh, worth so much more than two little cents! Thanks for this - I certainly agree with you that she's the only female canon character for him, but I can also get on board with some of the slash pairings, depending on the story. For instance, I don't think that he and Harry naturally go together, but there are writers who are able to convince me that they're a match made in heaven. And there's even been a Snape/Ron story that amazed me in its rightness.

I don't know about the very earliest days of sshg, but I think there were also lots of people working from the teacher fantasy scenario, especially in plots (MLC and otherwise) where he's deemed the only one who can protect Hermione. I've mostly had my fill of student/teacher fics (hey, never say never, right?!), simply because I prefer to see the power between them more balanced.

And the fertile ground for UST, oh, do I love that. I only wish I could write it!!

Thanks for asking about my health - I'm feeling really good and am back to working, half days for the time being.

[bambu345]

Most importantly, I'm glad you're recovering so quickly and taking it at a moderate pace.

But back to other important things like Snape....

I've read him in side pairings with Draco and Remus (both fairly believable), but given his canon obsession with Lily and hatred of James (which I've read as UST, barely believably), I cannot make that leap to Harry/Snape. I know pir8fancier is an amazing writer (The Politician's Wife anyone?), but even she can't sell it for me. Sometimes hate is simply hate, and considering the long-term, systematic persecution of Snape by James and his best mates -- not to mention the fact James won Lily's love -- I can't see there being any way for Snape to get beyond that with Harry. However, that's just my opinion

[christev]

Ha! Pir8fancier is responsible for seducing many a fangurl to Snarry, I believe! The first fic of hers I read was the Home Fries Nazi, but as much as I love (REALLY love) that story, I must say I love her Harry/Draco stories so much more. I also love Survivors, but I think Accountable is my favorite Dyce fic. It was the first fic that I ever reviewed - I was a lurker for many months! <3

[voxangelus]

It's their personalities that works for me, I guess. The fact that Snape is an "older man" doesn't really enter into my calculations, and stories that make a big deal of it usually don't end up on my favorites list; the majority of my favorites have Hermione many years out of school before they become involved, although there are a few exceptions on there (In Annulo comes to mind right away)

Their intelligence makes them capital sparring partners, and I am a big huge sucker for witty banter and great dialogue.

And yes, I effing love the UST. UST is my bag, baby. Give me sizzling, simmering UST any day over lackluster smut.

[christev]

Yes, yes, and yes.

And if I have to hear Hermione explain to him one more time that wizards live longer than Muggles, therefore age differences don't matter as much, I think I'll scream!

Witty banter, sizzling UST, yummmmmmmm! (Only wish I could produce some of that about now!)

Thanks - and I need to go reread In Annulo, it's been way too long. :D

[morethansirius]

All of the above