In response to the
hpstoryfinder's request for top 5 recs. I couldn't narrow it down to just 5...
Clipped Wings by Teka Lynn (R, HP/SS)
http://morgan-d.net/hogwarts/stories/clippedwings.htmlFound via the Snarry_reader AU list:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/snarry_reader/22284.htmlNotes: I was looking for something a little different. Something longer than a ficlet but still short enough to be read in one sitting. The tone of this fic was very somber, but this is fitting since the AU is one in which the muggles have turned on the wizarding world and the wizards are all either dead, in hiding or stripped of their powers and sold into slavery. I feel the best parts of this fic are those in which Snape attempts to explain his feelings/attitude toward Harry while at Hogwarts. The ending is hopeful and romantic.
Draco Malfoy and the Heart of Slytherin by Saber ShadowKitten (PG-13, HP/DM)
http://sabershadowkat.com/harrypotter/heartofslytherintitle.htmlFound via the Fiction Alley site, I think...
Notes: I read this a number of weeks ago now and remember that the image of the spider tattoo that they pass back and forth as both creepy and powerful. The story itself is unlikely and feels somewhat forced, but I like Harry's characterization. Also the idea of being partners w/o being friends is very valid in HP canon, but I haven't seen it that much in fanon.
The Paradox of Existence by DragonLight (R, HP/SS)
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1226706/1/Found via painless_j's thematic lists:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/painless_j/137360.htmlNotes: I think this story contains my favorite ship...adult Harry and teenage Snape. I think it's because of the vast difference in the power balance between them in this case as opposed to in canon. It also provides such a wonderful opportunity to understand Snape as an adult. Especially having both teenage and adult Snape at the same time.
In Camera by Lulu Latrina (12,500 words, NC-17, HP/SS, HP/SB and HP/SS/SB)
http://www.livejournal.com/community/reversathon/23683.htmlFound via painless_j's all time favorites list:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/painless_j/62900.htmlNotes: I love Harry/Sirius and am fascinated by this story. Both its plot and its presentation. This fiction is worth reading due to its imaginative style but enjoyable b/c the story serves the relationships. Excellent pacing.
Induction by ShivaniBlue (22 Chapters, NC-17, HP/SS)
http://grazhir.com/hp/induction/index.htmlFound via painless_j's December recs:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/painless_j/81683.htmlNotes: I'm not sure exactly how I feel about the dubious concent, but seeing as how this is fiction it's a somewhat mute point. I do enjoy the hypnosis as defense technique and marvel at the power of the mind. When Snape's reasons for entertaining such domination over Harry come out they lack a certain amount of credibility. Does a rebuffed crush really cause that kind of mental anguish? But I really, really liked that Harry started to adapt the hypnosis for his own purposes and found a measure of independence that way.
Umbra Nihili by Cluegirl (4 Chapters, NC-17, HP/SB)
http://archive.skyehawke.com/story.php?no=9513Found (the 2nd time) via Fiction Alley.
Notes: This story is fascinating, in that it's told from a madman's point of view. Now, I love Sirius. He's definitely one of my favorite HP characters, but I don't think there can be much doubt that a dead man confined to interacting w/ Harry's reflection is not sane. Some of the, I want to say metaphors but they are too literal, images are very thought provoking. Harry holding Sirius' "lead". Sirius' thoughts on standing at a cliff looking not toward the drop, but at the horizon.
Cartographer's Craft by Sam the Storyteller (WIP, 23 Chapters, R, HP/SB, RW/HG and RL/NT)
http://www.livejournal.com/users/sam_storyteller/43528.html#cutid1Found via painless_j's flist
Notes: I never read WIPs. At least not on purpose. But I just couldn't help myself. Sam the Storyteller is the author of "Stealing Harry" as well and I saw how many chapters of CC were posted and just couldn't not read. The only problem is that it took me 2 days to read the 23 posted chapters and now I'll stop by this LJ at least 10 times a day looking for a new post. It's worth it though. This story is good on so many levels. It's the kind of story that is so plausible that I get it confused w/ canon, but still incorporates what makes fan fiction, well, FAN fiction.
Pet by Cluegirl (21,500 words, NC-17, SS/LM)
http://www.livejournal.com/users/cluegirl/482348.htmlFound via painless_j's journal
Notes: It's not often that I read this pairing, but when painless_j posted a link while looking for 'teenage Snape' stories I just had to follow. I love stories that fit into the fandom seamlessly. Answering questions about why Snape is the way he is, etc. This one was touching and so angsty. It shows the reader, in perfect definition, that love is not enough. However, I was left w/ a tiny spark of hope for the future.
Severus and The Crup by Josan (36,000 words, R, HP/SS)
http://www.angelfire.com/zine2/josan/hp/crup.htmlFound via Fiction Alley
Notes: A little fluffy, a little out of character, but very well written. It's a truly beautiful view of starting over. Being able to be thankful for whatever is given and letting go of past resentments. Leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy.
Conduits of Sorcery by Penumbra
http://archive.skyehawke.com/story.php?no=6516Found via Painless_j's thematic list on tatoos.
Notes: Post-war, Harry comes back to Hogwarts to officiate the Tri-Wizard Turnament. The intrigue in the plot is a little weak, but the relationship between Harry and Severus is light and full of wit. I especially liked the portrayel of the non-main characters: Madam Hooch, Ron, Hermione, Lupin, etc. Made me smile.
Peripheral Vision by Alexandra Dane
http://snarry.individum.com/archive/viewstory.php?sid=3Found via???
Notes: Post-war/no magic universe. Harry and Snape are blind and sharing a room at a rehabilitation facility. The story is not told from the 'blind' POV, but it is almost completely without visual description. The dialogue and relationship between Harry and Snape are charming and engaging, but I do feel that it's a little long for a 3 day time frame. Fluffy, but well written and somewhat unique.
A Convenient Marriage by Diana Williams (long 1 shot, NC-17, HP/SS)
http://diana.slashcity.com/Potter/convenient.htmFound via Painless_j's marriage list:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/painless_j/61091.htmlNotes: This is out of character and rather fluffy, but I like specific parts. I really appreciate the fact that the sex doesn't start out spine tinglingly perfect. It rarely ever does in anyone's life and also it fits that Snape isn't a paragon of experience. I love that Lucius is implied to have been a bad lover. Ha, serves him right. And the glimpses of affection between Albus and Severus are touching.
Great Expectations by Arsenic (20,000 words, PG-13, HP/George Weasley, DM/Fred Weasley)
http://www.mediageek.ca/arsenicjade/writing/great.htmlFound via Painless_j's marriage list:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/painless_j/61091.htmlNotes: This is unique for a number of reasons. Not a common pairing. Set post-War and the issues involved are all psychological. It's sweet and refreshing and very matter-of-fact.
A Nick In Time by Tira Nog (52,000 words, PG, HP/SS)
http://inkstain.inkquill.net/isf/archive/25/anick.htmlFound via Painless_j's LJ
http://www.livejournal.com/users/painless_j/148019.htmlSummary: Harry and Snape are turned into their 7-year-old selves.
Notes: Wow. Very emotional. The author creates enlightening backstory for Severus. I love the ending.
COMING HOME By Meri (34,000 words, NC-17, HP/SS)
http://solo4.abac.com/CircuitArchive/ComingHome.htmfound via Painless_j's thematic list on bonding:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/painless_j/57566.htmlSummary: Harry and Severus have magical harmony, it makes them feel compelled to share feelings and such.
Notes: Post-war, Harry has been gone for 10 years and when he returns nothing is the same. This story is so beautifully written and it includes characteristics that I really enjoy. Harry as an adult, Harry "inheriting" Voldemort's power, Hermione and Draco together. Very enjoyable, moving read.
Unlocking Harry Potter and Finding the Key by sarini (52 Chapters each, M, HP/CW)
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2529243/1/ and
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2579033/1/Summary: PostOoTP, PreHBP. Severus has been having dreams, dreams so real they feel like memories. What is his mind telling him? Severitus with a twist. SLASH HP?
Sequel to Unlocking Harry Potter. No HBP. Severus Snape is no longer a spy and has officially acknowledged Harry Potter as his son. Just when it looks like things are getting better for Harry..... SLASH HPCW
Notes: Love the depth and detail of these fics. Powerful!Harry with a huge guilt complex coupled with Empathic!Charlie and with GrievingDad!Severus.
Never Break the Chain by Thevina (13,500 words, NC-17, HP/RW)
http://www.thrihyrne.net/NBTC.htmlFound via my FLIST:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/matildabishop/13327.htmlSummary: The summer after his 5th year, Ron deals with a death in the family and disconcerting new feelings for Harry. Drama and romance.
Notes: A decent HP/RW that manages to avoid many of the cliches associated with this pairing. Straight forward.
The Return of the Prodigal by Lachesis (27,000 words, PG, HP/SS)
http://inkstain.inkquill.net/isf/archive/19/thereturn.htmlFound via hpstoryfinder
Notes: A time travel fic where Harry has to return one day at a time. I love to see Harry and Severus in the same generation!
Consanguinity by jay tryfanstone (3 parts: Humour, Melancholia and Consanguinity 200k total, R, HP/SS)
http://www.geocities.com/tryfanstone/miscellany.htmFound via Painless_j's post:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/painless_j/158925.htmlNotes: Different premise and haltingly told. Unique and unexpected with a sweet ending.
Too Wise to Woo Peaceably by McKay (30,000 words, NC17, HP/SS)
http://remembrall.slashcity.net/fiction/toowise.htmlFound via AccioSlash's birthday post:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/accioslash/7034.htmlSummary: Hey, kids, let's put on a show! aka Hogwarts meets Shakespeare.
Author's Notes: This is extremely AU. It's set in Harry and Company's seventh year, and it assumes that Voldemort has been defeated entirely at this point. An "Oh, brilliant, it only took half a year to kill him for good, so we've got the rest of the year off from Battling Utter Evil" sort of thing. Sirius has been exonerated, and he's the DADA teacher for the year. 5 points to the House of anyone who spots the Alan Rickman film reference in this one.
Notes: Sweet and light. An enjoyable read in one sitting.
Wicked Game by McKay ( , NC17, RL/SS)
http://remembrall.slashcity.net/fictionsl.htmlFound via Painless_j's 31 and 1/2 list:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/painless_j/48085.htmlWicked Game I: Strange What Desire Will Make Foolish People Do (2001)
Rated: R, for language
Summary: After returning to Hogwarts, Remus Lupin tries to establish a new life for himself -- and to repair the mistakes of the past.
Wicked Game II: Let Me Dream of You (2001)
Rated: R
Summary: Through an exchange of letters, Remus and Severus' relationship deepens.
Notes: This is set during GoF, and it's written entirely in the form of letters sent back-and-forth between Remus and Severus.
Wicked Game III: Never Dreamed I'd Love Somebody Like You (2002)
Rated: NC-17
Summary: Snape returns home for the summer, but there are some loose ends to tie up before he and Remus can celebrate their reunion properly.
Notes: A little sweet a little sappy. Nice Snape/Lupin without being totally OOC. I like the flashbacks.
Elemental Tapestry by Vera (45,000 words, NC17, HP/RW/DM/SS)
http://vividly.amiss.org/elemental.htmlFound via the HPStoryFinder Comm:
http://www.livejournal.com/community/hpstoryfinders/198906.htmlSummary: Under the shadow of Voldemort in Harry's seventh year, four minds come together by fate, dark magic and the need to survive.
Notes: Love bonding fics and I was interested to see the multiple bond especially as it occurred "naturally".
Knockturn in the Rain By Dayse (5,000 words, NC17, HP/SS, chan)
http://www.sparklydanceboys.com/noblehouse/knockturn.htmlFound via crack_broom comm:
http://www.livejournal.com/community/crack_broom/189031.htmlSummary: Severus Snape meets Harry Potter in Knockturn Alley.
Notes: Emotional and heartrending. Worth the read.
Stone Cold Sober by Fabula Rasa (84,000 words, NC-17, SS/SB, RL/HG)
http://fabularasa.arithmancy.net/stonecold.htmlSummary: Snape/Black, other pairings het, slash, and femslash, NC17: Snape and Sirius come to terms with the idea that their relationship may be physical, and then that it might be rather more. This is the sequel to (the much shorter) Under The Influence, which should be read first.
Notes: Wow. Sirius and Snape really had to work for it. Fabula Rasa spun a fabulous tale that kept most everyone in character but still allowed all the possibilities that JKR pushes aside. This is why we read/write fan fiction. Almost enough to have me declare an OTP.
So Lonely Without Me by Calligraphy (6 chapters, NC17, HP/SS):
http://archive.skyehawke.com/story.php?no=5658re-Found via Painless_j's October Snarry recs:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/painless_j/159955.htmlSummary: Two men, two rooms, a war. Slash, Harry Potter/Severus Snape.
Notes: Told in a very matter-of-fact manner that I find appealing. The insecurity in both parties is experienced acutely and dealt with as regular people do, by ignoring it and moving on.
Dark Chocolate and White Chocolate by Dianann (30 chapters total, NC17, HP/SS some SS/DM)
http://archive.skyehawke.com/authors.php?no=309Found via
Summary: (DC) Snape takes Harry on as a seventh year apprentice...but it isn't what it seems. (WC) Harry’s been missing for six years. Where has he been? What mess did he leave behind, and has no choice but to return to? Sequel to Dark Chocolate.
Notes: Dark Chocolate is so very painful, impossible to ignore. I read the end and felt my face heat and my chest clench in sympathy. I truly enjoyed the sections of White Chocolate that had Harry and Severus behind the viel and the relationship between Salazar and Godric.
And, if you couldn't tell, I highly recommend stopping by
painless_j's livejournal for all the recs you could ever need.