A Friendly but Earnest Challenge - Finding the GQFs!

[soul_awakenings]

Ok, why is it so hard to find Harry Potter fics I like!!?!  The unfortunate thing is, I've seen some excellent writing... but often for pairings or plotlines that I can't at all see happening and therefore don't read.  The unlikeliness factor/disturbance factor just nags at me relentlessly until I stop, despite the quality of writing.  This is what

Comments

[curia_regis]

Just because a ship is strange does not mean that it was written for 'shock' value. Yes, some authors do write Lucius/Ginny for shock value, however, others use that pairing to explore the darker aspects of the HP-verse.

It is entirely possible to have a 'shock' pairing that is really well done. Just because there's a paring there does not mean that is is entirely consensual. Sure, it may not happen during the years the students are at Hogwarts, but it may happen afterwards. How can you insist that you know exactly how the canon characters would react in situations that they haven't experienced in canon.

Have you ever tried well-written fics in the pairings you dislike?

[soul_awakenings]

"Just because a ship is strange does not mean that it was written for 'shock' value."

I agree with you there, and perhaps I should rephrase that, because you're absolutely right about that. Not all non-conventional pairings are purely for shock, or for shock at all. And I do recognize that they are very useful and creative ways to explore different sides of characters that you might not see otherwise. I do still hold to my opinion, however, because although these fics have their values and their own niches, the problem is that there's just not enough of the other ones in relation when you're looking for plausible canonical storylines and fics.

And of course it's entirely possible to have an excellently written "shock" pairing - I have stated that in the original post. I have actually read many fics with the pairings that I dislike... that's in fact where the desire to post this came from. I often find authors of fics with plotlines or pairings I dislike that are absolutely marvellous writers - so my wish is to see writing of

[flyingcarpet]

Did somebody say 'het recs'? I am all over that. (here from daily_snitch, by the way)

I see you like Draco/Ginny. In that case, you have probably already read fearthainn's fic, but on the off chance that you haven't, check out The Past Didn't Go Anywhere (Rated PG-13) and Dark Directed (Rated R), both chaptered and complete.

Also for D/G, make sure you check out jade_okelani and sarea_okelani's fic, although they do write some H/H.

I know that Ron/Pansy sounds like a crazy out-of-left-field pairing, but read Maya's Flame and Shadow (NC-17) and you won't think so. Really an amazing fic, and it definitely fits your description.

I see that you don't like cross-generational fics, but I'm going to rec one to you anyway, because heh, I feel like it... an anyway, it involves a time-turner, so that's sort of different. Right? Right? Anyway, the fic is In the Turning (NC-17), by Casira, and the pairing is Remus/Hermione.

The Bowl of Lilacs, by copperbadge, because Sam is always on any rec list of mine. This is a longish fic, rated R, Lily/Remus. Warning for adultery

[soul_awakenings]

Wow!! Thanks so much for putting so much thought and effort into your comment! I really appreciate that :)

I have to admit that some look much more appealing than others, lol, but I'll be fair and give them all a shot. I might be surprised, after all.

Thanks again and I'll be sure to try them *all* :)

[goldennotblonde]

Brave New World, by theatresm. SS/OFC, R rating with explicit (Snape PoV versus OFC's) smut links in the footnotes of Book 2 chapter 12, and Book 3 chapter 5. I cannot recommend this one highly enough. It is very long and the Snape portrayal is deliciously convincing, acknowleging his faults and dealing with them. Written before OotP was published, so Books Two and Three are AU.

[seekingclarity]

Cho/Barty Crouch Jr. are my OTP!

;)

[sophierom]

Hi! I saw your request on the Daily Snitch, so I hope you don't mind that I'm posting. I'll admit that I like some of the fic pairings that you don't :-), but here are some recs that you might like, if you haven't already read them:

1. The Book of Morgan Le Fay by LavenderBrown. I know you said you weren't necessarily looking for a 6th year fic, but this is a great one, IMHO. Here's the author's summary: "Ron, Harry and Hermione return to Hogwarts for their sixth year to find that Voldemort is hatching a diabolical scheme to rid the world of Muggles and assume power. As the Trio work together to find out Voldemort’s plans and fight back, Ron must contend with his newly discovered feelings for his brainy, bushy-haired, bookworm best friend. Told from Ron's perspective. Rated PG-13 for mild language, mild sexual themes and situations, and violence." There's also a great sequel, The Final Reckoning that focuses more on Harry and Ginny. The sequel is a WIP.

2. Highly Improbable by Vocalion. I saw that you're not a big fan of