S.C.H.A.L.

New SCHAL Community

2005-12-03T18:07:53Z

I just wanted to remind everyone that we gave up sch_addiction and founded a new schal community, where everyone can/may/must post reviews.

Posting guidelines can be found in our last post.

Go, friend schal

Hope Raises No Dust

2005-11-20T07:17:31Z

Title: Hope Raises No Dust
Author: the_con_cept (Monopolizing the market :) )
Rating: R
Category: Snarry
Summary: Summary: Post-HBP, Severus and Harry come together again, learn to cope, look toward the future, and to hope. Title taken from a quotation by Paul Eluard.

It probably wouldn't be that difficult to write a little one-shot focusing on In-Character-Snape. It might be equally possible to write a little one-shot focusing on In-Character-Harry. But to write a little one-shot focusing on In-Character-Snarry is, as you know very well, virtually impossible. Because you need to see the hatred, the insults, the unwilling (if any) alliance, the eventual possessiveness and passion. You need to see Snape's brilliance and Harry's 'saving people thing'. In all honestly, how many one-shots like that have you read?
And yet, here is a one-shot. And you see it all. And it's astounding.

Morrighan

S.C.H.A.L. Community Guidelines

2005-11-18T14:31:08Z

Rules

Always be polite, don't flame, no one-line reviews, no netspeak,... you get it.

REVIEWS, no self-plugs. And no,you are not allowed to pimp your best friend's fic either.

Please use this template when you post:
Title: add Title here (including link!)
Author: Author's name (including lj-username if there is one)
Rating: PG, PG-13, R, NC-17, Death-sentence,...
Summary: blablabla Harry blabla Snape blabla Chocolate...
(Warning:) We would appreciate it if you could put a warning if the fic has unusual situations, e.g. Mpreg, threesomes, chan (under sixteen),...

Please add TAGs to your review. It makes searching for fics far easier.
Tags

Fic lengths: short, one-shot (less than 5000 words), middle length (5000 - 35000 words), novel-length (more than 35 k words).
Category: Snarry, Severitus, gen, slash, pre-slash, het, chocolate.
Pairings: Apart from SS/HP, if you think they are important.
important information: post-Hogwarts, AU, post- HBP, post-DH.
Title of the fic.

F.A.Q.

What kind of fics am I allowed to review?
We accept reviews to all fics that portray the relationship between Harry and Snape.
It can be:

a romantic relationship (Snarry)

a familial relationship (Severitus' challenge)

a working relationship between collegues

mentor/mentee

Snape as Harry's father-in-law

...

It can be anything that deals with Harry and Snape and the way they feel about each other, their interaction, their opinions about one another, whether it's love or hate or indifference.

I just read a novel-length fic about the Trio's seventh year and the author did a wonderful job with Snape's role as a spy and Harry's reaction to it. Am I allowed to post my review to that fic here?
Yes, please. We also accept reviews on fics where the Harry and Snape interaction is only a subplot of the main story, as long as the review focuses (a bit) on Harry and Snape.

I want to review a fic that is not Snarry. May I?
YES! Het, Slash, Gen ... everything is fine, as long as it has Snape and Harry in it. We strongly encourage people to post more non-Snarry fics (although we really like those too)

I am not yet of age, may I still friend your community?
Sure. We would only ask you to stay away from the NC-17 fics. But you are very welcome to review some lower rated fics.

I do not have an LJ account, can I still post a review?
Yes, but while we allow annoymous posting, you have to sign your post. And for the time being all posts will be scanned by Nessime, Morrighan or Maryx before they appear in the community.

Someone else has already reviewed my favourite fic. May I still write a review?
Yes, please. We want to give our readers a broad overview of the fics that are recommended here. As different people have different opinions, a second, third fourths review can be very helpful. We will then add Tags to link together the different reviews for one fic.

Someone has review a fic and when I read this fic I did not like it at all. May I write a counter-review?
Well, if 'counter-review' means that you just say 'This fic sucks and reviewer #1 is an idiot to rec it': No!
If 'counter-review' means that you tell us what you didn't like about the fic and why you didn't like and you are polite in your review: YES, please! Not everyone has the same taste and it will help the reader when searching for interesting fics; however, in general, this is a recommendation community, so please avoid writing negative reviews of stories that have not already been reviewed on SCHAL. Another instance in which a negative review would be acceptable is a well-known story (such as "The Tea Series" or "If You Are Prepared") that you do not appreciate as well as everyone else seems to.

If you are not sure how to write a good negative review, have a look at the elaborate guest review Alexandra Dane left on S.C.H.A.L.

I would like to post a review, but I do not know how to use LJ codes. Could you tell me how to make your template in html?
The easiest way would be to use a nice little programme like Deepest Sender or LJ-net or to post in Rich Text mode. However, we are nice and we want you to post, so here you are:
Title: <a href="add link here">Title of the fic</a>
Author: Author's name aka <lj user="lj user-name">
Rating: PG, PG-13, R, NC-17, Death-sentence,...
Summary: blablabla Harry blabla Snape blabla Chocolate...
(Warning:) We would appreciate it if you could put a warning if the fic has unusual situations, e.g. Mpreg, threesomes, chan (under sixteen),...
A new line is: BTW

I've seen that you had chocolate reviews in the past. Can I also review my favourite chocolate?
Sure. S.C.H.A.L. stands for Snape Chocolate Harry Addiction League. We love chocolate and we love mouth-watering chocolate reviews.

How long will it take till you scan/approve my review?
The three of us live in various locations around the world and spend far too much time online, so the chances are quite high that we'll get the reviews within hours of the time you submitted it. Then we'll read it, make sure the link is working and that none of your ancestors were trolls, and then it will be online!

I still have some questions. May I ask you?
No. We bite. *rolls eyes*
Sure you may. Nessime needs a muzzle, though.

How can I contact you?
SnapeChocolateHarry[at]gmail[dot]com is a safe bet. There are other ways as well...

One very important fact, before I forget: The new Snape Chocolate Harry Addiction League is here: S.C.H.A.L.

Go! Friend! Review! Save Link!

Morrighan, Nessime, Maryx

Nessime's Birthday

2005-11-14T07:59:57Z

Happy Birthday fleurdeliser

We wish you all the best and lots of chocolate ;-)

Morrighan & Maryx

Coils of Gold

2005-11-09T18:33:59Z

Title: Coils of Gold
Author: Crymsyn
Category: Snarry
Rating: NC-17
Summary: The death of one Dark Lord brings about the rise of another. AU.
Warning: minor Mpreg, mindfuck

The wizarding world had been floundering in a sea of bureaucracy. It had needed somebody strong to take over and do what needed to be done. And that was what it got.

I'm still not whether I should be utterly in love or completely horrified after reading Coils of Gold. Alongside Harry I was sucked into this warped universe and like him I got lost in this strange world. Crymsyn used that to her advantage by taking all my ideas of 'right' and 'wrong', of 'good' and 'bad' , twisting them and turning them against me. Somehow she almost managed to make me agree.
This fic was a revelation. I found out more about myself and my believes than I ever wanted to know.
Thank God, it's only a well-written story.

Maryx

Challenged

2005-11-03T15:40:30Z

Title: Challenged
Author: AbstractConcept (aka the_con_cept)
Category: Snarry
Rating: 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 clichés, I target disabled!Harry.

I’m glad to announce that it looks like I’ve just been pointed to yet another little fic working like a cheering charm. It’s been ages since I gave up on trying to figure out how </a></a>the_con_cept does it, it’s enough for me that I open a file as a very tired and pissed off person, and close it grinning from ear to ear. Just like here. So have a well deserved break from work, set aside the Snarry seriousness for a moment and check out ‘Challenged’ if you need a laugh. And I’m just sure you do. It's blasted midterm/autumn/no-holiday-time almost everywhere.

Morrighan

Give and Take

2005-10-30T20:50:45Z

Title: Give and Take
Author: Merri-Todd Webster
Category: Snarry
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Harry learns that life and death are both a matter of give and take.

I had not planned on reading any fic tonight, I wanted to have a late dinner, polish my English translation, beta read and go to bed early. Sometimes life doesn't go the way we want it to. While I enjoyed my big salad with lamb's lettuce, dried tomatoes, greek cheese, mushrooms, olives and dried tomatoes with a wonderful honey-mustard dressing and a sprinkle of onion... ehm, well, I suppose that's more than you wanted to know about my eating habits. *is sorry* ...
Well, while I enjoyed my salad I had a look at my bookmarks and spontaneously decided to read this fic. It was a good decision.

Merri-Todd Webster needs only few scene to describes how Harry and Snape get themselves into a relationship, how Snape's hunger and Harry's insistence work together to build something neither of them might ever have imagined before. A good story, very much to the point.

Maryx

'Humour' , 'Melancholia' , 'Consanguinity'

2005-10-28T21:08:15Z

Title: 'Humour' , 'Melancholia' , 'Consanguinity'
Author: tryfanstone
Category: Snarry
Rating: R
Summary: A few owls, some books, and rather a lot of cups of tea.

I don't know what it's like with you, but when I stay up late to finish reading a story despite having slept for only two hours the previous night, it usually means that the aforementioned story is worth something. So I beg you, don't be too hard on me today, I just want to make sure the word is spread about these treasures. Go and read the three pieces of art. They are outstanding. They are brilliant. They have a marvellous external perspective on Harry and Snape and depict Muggle/Wizardind coexistence in a funny and very skillful way. However, what's probably the most interesting: before you get to enjoy the third part, the first two will successfully scare the living daylights out of you. You know you want to feel that, you do :).

Morrighan

PS: That is another debt I owe to ac1d6urn. I should probably start making a list...

A good story, dark and light, very sad and (almost) heartwarming.
Though sometimes there was too much left for my own imagination, sometimes I would have wished to be taken by the hand and lead through the story. sometimes I felt a little lost as in a world where a lot was going on and I missed some of the important events. It might well be my fault, I wasn't all that concentrated this afternoon - Sunday is family telephone day and I was interrupted at least twice while reading.
My mum just called (Sunday!), I make it short: A good fic, but a little too sophisticated for my taste - I'm a good down-to-earth girl.

Maryx

Surprised by Harry

2005-10-27T18:31:47Z

Title: Surprised by Harry
Author: RaeWhit
Category: Snarry
Rating: NC-17 (again)
Summary: Severus Snape has always thought himself rather immune to surprise. Until one night under an enchanting moon of August, a chance encounter with Harry Potter sets him up for the biggest surprise of his life.

I had a very elaborate, extremely intelligent review drafted out in my head, but unfortunately my flatmate came into my room to ask something inconsequential, which left us chatting for half an hour. Now all those prettily strung words are mixed up and jumbled and lost and I have to try again.
These are the basics, perhaps I'll flesh them out later:
Good fic: Harry IC, Snape IC, good plot, very nice language, some very magical moments, especially that first evening before the battle. *drools*
Go read!
M

Seeing Stars

2005-10-25T21:45:20Z

Title: Seeing Stars
Author: gmth
Category: Snarry
Rating: NC-17 (what else?)
Summary:Harry and Snape are easing into a relationship, but they have nothing in common... or do they?

One of the very few fics that are entirely from Snape's P.O.V.
What I loved most about it was the language, the way I could hear Snape talking while I was reading. gmth is a real master when it comes to describing feelings, this strange melange of emotions and body reactions we all know, but we never manage to put in words.

My heart is twitching in a strange, arrhythmic pattern as the adrenaline courses through my system, the combination of an aching erection and knees that feel almost too weak to support my weight making it difficult to walk.

I can see myself here, I remember situations like this - only minus the erection, I have to admit.
Can't you?

Maryx

</a></a>

In Principia

2005-10-24T21:27:02Z

Title: In Principia
Author: Vasaris, the Fuzzy Dragon
Category: Pre-slash.
Rating: probably R for „Darkness, death and damnation.”
Summary: What cost, fate?

A delicious, pardon the expression, mindfuck. A story you have to read to the last word in order to be able to form any opinion about. Dark and pessimistic, with a surprising touch of humour: Snape’s “Counterproductive in the extreme, my boy . [...] Sherbet lemon?” or Hermione’s “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Riddle” truly cracked me up (yes please, feel free to question my sanity - this is a dark fic after all). With its interesting concepts, a nice built-up of suspense, well shaped characters and good language „In Principia” manages to be different, original, remarkable. Just have a look.
Morrighan

Oh! (shocked)
Oh! (sad)
Oh! (angry)
Oh! (adoring)
Poor, misguided Ron!

Maryx

Antiquity's Corollary

2005-10-13T07:06:24Z

Title: Antiquity's Corollary
Author: GonnaBeFamous
Rating: PG-13
Status: WIP
Category: Severitus/Guardian
Summary: Lily begged me never to tell you what happened, Dumbledore continued, and I didn't want to cause you more pain.... The Past is meant to be left behind... Unless it affects the future. PreHBP (Severitus)

For a girl who claims to be fifteen years old, the writing in "Antiquity's Corollary" is surprisingly mature. If every fifteen year old in the fandom wrote like this, there would be a lot less bad!fic... hell, if every 20 year old in the fandom wrote like this there'd be a lot less bad!fic. GonnaBeFamous resists falling into some of the typical Severitus cliches for the most part. She manages to keep Severus in some semblance of character and the relationship between father and son develops quite slowly. They definitely don't jump from screaming at eachother to hugs and love. She has a firm grasp of the emotional aspects of the story. She captures the anger, the confusion, and the roiling emotions that would come with such discoveries (in regards to both Harry and Severus) quite well. She characterizes Dumbledore very well, which can be a feat in and of itself without making him a twinkley-eyed, loopy parody or an evil, manipulative bastard. I rather appreciated the way she revealed The Truth, it was fairly unique in the world of Severitus stories. The biggest problem with this story are that at times, she makes Harry have rather more insight into himself and others than I believe that he would have in this situation. In all, a good read.
Nessi (who also feels ashamed at her lack of postage)

I was not as fond of this fic as Nessime. I agree, for someone who is only fifteen, 'GonnaBeFamous' is a very good writer. The language is okay, the pacing fits and the characters have some depth (a quality far too many (fan-)fictional characters lack). As far as Severitus' challenges go, it is definitely among the better ones. However, I stopped reading around chapter 14 and had I not planned to write this review, I would have abandoned it far earlier.
I have read so many Harry Potter fiction that I have become very selective by now. Fics that do not offer anything new, where the characterisations are slightly off or where I do not like the pairings, end up in my 'tried but not liked'-folder quickly. As did 'Antiquity's Corollary'. There were just too many Americanisms, character interpretations that I do not agree with, clichés, predictable plot twists,... .
'Antiquity's Corollary' is not a bad story, no, far from it, but it is not an outstanding one either.
Maryx

guest-starring: Alexandra Dane

'Antiquity's Corollary' hypothesises is that Snape is Harry's father. At least, I think it does. I'm afraid I tuned out round about the time Snape and Dumbledore were arguing whether the baby Lily was carrying might possibly be Snape's or James Potter's. Admittedly I'm a Snarry fan and a heterosexual Snape plays no part in my perception of the Potterverse, but I was initially willing to suspend disbelief and give the story a proper trial. Unfortunately, I'm afraid the odds are just stacked against it from the start.

In theory I have no problem whatever with Snape being Harry's father. However anyone bringing forward this supposition needs to support it with a solid bit of characterisation to counteract the morose and solitary Snape we are shown in canon. I was utterly unconvinced by Snape and Lily as a married couple, and even less convinced by her telling him that she was carrying James Potter's baby simply because she didn't want *her* child brought up in a Death Eater household. It is very difficult to care about characters who behave like that. The way she tells him lacks all conviction, too; it's on a par with "Honey, I scraped your car." Was this really her only option? Would James *honestly* have accepted it so calmly? Despite what soap operas may try to sell us, real human people do not make such big decisions so lightly. I'm afraid, too, that the writer seems a little hazy about the actual mechanics of pregnancy; what on Earth is Lily's 'second term' supposed to be? Is she having two babies consecutively, and how many of them are Severus's? I think 'second trimester', while American, is a more comprehensible expression.

And there's no getting past those Americanisms. In the UK (where I think we all agree 'Harry Potter' is set) we don't have front walks or backyards, we don't 'make it to nationals' or have extra credits before University, and although some people 'hang out' and 'get on one another's case' that's because they're aping Americanisms from TV to be 'cool' and the last thing the Potter characters are is cool. I'll pass over 'matter-o-factly' and 'redissolusioned'. Until someone can show them to me in a dictionary I refuse to believe that they exist as words; I suspect 'matter-of-factly' and 'redissolved' were intended. However I can't, I positively can't, pass "ok". It is just possible that teenage characters like Ron and Hermione would say "okay" or even "OK", but "ok" in lower-case is "ock" (as in clock, tock, rock, etc.) and *nobody* says it. Particularly not Dumbledore. Show me in canon, either book or film, Albus Dumbledore saying either "ok" or "okay" and you get to use it in your fiction. Otherwise, find another way of having him say it. "Very well" is a perfectly adequate Dumbledorean equivalent.

And please, a little more attention to grammar; 'the sickening realization of to whom the voice belonged' produced in me only the sickening realization that there would be more of the same to follow.

I should also mention Harry's obsession with grades and timetables. A kid of his age panicking about exam results and the courses he wants to take I can accept; he's under a lot of pressure and it does make sense. But please, oh please, don't show us his timetable. The fact that it didn't translate into columns and ended up garbled is neither here nor there; it is information that has no place in a narrative text. The author may need to know what Harry's classes are at any time of day, but it's not necessary to show the reader. It just smacks of overt clever-cleverness, a flashy trick aimed to impress. An author should impress with her writing, not her ability to draw timetables.

A good knowledgeable editor or beta reader would have done this story the world of good. I sympathise with the fact that the author started on the journey without benefit of either, and I'm sure she'll have better support for future endeavours. However this highlights the fundamental flaw of the 'posting as one goes along' procedure; nothing which is posted is ever really in a finished condition. This is my main argument against WIPs being put online; that and the fact that many are never finished, because sometimes writers write themselves into corners which they can't get out of without altering earlier segments.

This young lady is apparently serious about being a professional writer. In that case, I'd urge that a lot more work, preparation and thought are necessary before sharing anything. Remember that genius is nine-tenths perspiration; it's the stuff that isn't fun to do – the research, the editing, the planning – which are most important in producing a good final result. Turning a beautiful phrase, having an excellent idea, simply aren't enough, because if you haven't done the slave labour as well what you end up with is the equivalent of a stage set – all surface and no depth. It may be very nice to look at, but would you want to try and live in it? But dig your foundations out, mix your mortar carefully, and you'll end up with something which will last longer than you will. Isn't that something to aim for?

- - - - -
~Alexandra Dane

Artemisia Absinthium

2005-10-11T18:01:18Z

Title: Artemisia Absinthium
Author: Shiradine
Category: Gen (pre-slash? Only if you insist.)
Rating: M (whatever you make of it)
Summary:Snape has survived the war, surmounting aversity with customary aplomb. Lupin attempts to play den mother to the rest of the survivors and Snape is rather annoyed. Wit and vituperation ensue with a bit of SSHP slash on the side.

It is astounding how little recognition some truly well written fics sometimes get. "Artemisia Absinthium", also known as "Severus Snape’s Herbs -n- Things" ;), is a nicely thought out and plausible take on Harry's, Lupin's and Snape's lives after the war. Amazing in its attention to details (without being boring at that), witty and humorous, it surprises me with the accuracy of characterization and the general calmness of its tone. Calmness the more unexpected when you consider how often the peaceful (or apparently peaceful) lives are disturbed by interesting confrontations.
My quote of the day:
“You have to stir the potion every day between now and next Saturday? I bloody well hope not—the full moon is on Wednesday.”
A Good Fic. As simple as that.

Morrighan

What can I add to this review? Morrighan has said everything already. I loved that fic. It is a strange little thing, beautiful and a bit sad. If someone asked me what this story is about, I would have serious problems to recount it. It's about a dinner invitation, potions and research, though there is so much more behind it, and some of what is going on will always stay a mystery for us. Some days in the life of Harry, Remus and Snape years after the war, told in wonderful, poetic words.

Maryx

Half-baked Chocolate Cake

2005-10-09T18:23:24Z

Title: Half-baked Chocolate Cake
Author: The Sisterhood of recipe-sharers
Rating: R (unsuitable for weak-minded chocolate addicts)
Category: Chocolate
Summary: 
My apologies to all those who do not use the metric system ; can I convert you to it? It's very practical!, I don't know anything about ounces and cups and so on. But I trust your ability to convert it yourself ;-)

Small Cake
110 gr Chocolate
110 gr Butter
110 gr Sugar
80 gr Flour
3 Eggs

Melt chocolate and butter. Mix everything. Fill the dough into a small baking dish. The dough should be more than 3 cm/ 2 inches thick. Bake at 200° C for approx. 15 Minutes. Bottom heat is best. The cake should be hot, but still almost liquid in the middle. Let it cool down. Keep your kids away from it.

A bigger cake has to bake a little longer.

I'm not sure if I'm really allowed to smuggle that one in as a chocolate rec. Nessime, Morrighan, if you think that Chocolate Cake is not allowed, you can disqualify me and I won't post any chocolate recs till ... December (can't miss the Christmas season. ;-)

It was love on first taste. We met each other on a wild, debauched student party. Well-build young man were dancing bare-chested. A dark voice with a sexy french accent reached my ear: Would I want a lift? He would take me home. It was tempting. I looked around, watching the bodies moving to the beat of the music - would it be worth staying? I was still undecided ... wavering. Should I stay of should I go? But then I saw it, sitting on a table on the other side of the room. I had only gotten a glimpse, but it was enough, I knew I couldn't resist, I had to go there and taste it, lick it, devour it.

It was dark, viscous chocolate sauce, surrounded by a ring of delicious, rich chocolate cake. When the first piece reached my tongue, the crumbly texture in a perfect melange with the smooth melt, I knew I was in love, a love that would last a lifetime.

I walked home that night, not the least sorry that I had turned down my neighbours offer for a lift.

Maryx

a line, a line, a lie, a line (you will)

2005-10-07T17:25:32Z

Title: a line, a line, a lie, a line (you will)
Author: happiestwhen
Category: Snarry
Rating: NC-17
Summary: A lie told often enough becomes the truth.

I’m guilty of walking away from the fandom for more and less serious reasons recently and I admit I still have a long list of some Incredibly Important Uni Stuff to do, however they will all have to wait a while longer as I have to start my redemption process.
Uhm, ‘redemption’ may actually not be the best word here, it’s an nc-17 fic we’re talking about after all, but try as I might to find a more innocent story to recommend today, Sioniann’s fic is stuck in my head for good.
The first thing I fell in love with was its title. I had the impression that a title like this could not shine above any work of poor quality and I was not disappointed. Then there were the little things: the heaviness of Snape’s cloak, Harry’s defiance, the hatred, the whispered name, the dream (was it?), the treason (same question); and the form, good heavens, the mesmerizing form of this piece of art was more than such a maniac of bracketing frames as myself could handle.
So forgive me for not delivering any list of novel-length, action-packed stories as I definitely should after such a long break. Read ‘a line, a line, a lie, a line (you will)’. Drink these words.
Morrighan

I Just Remembered - I'm Harry

2005-10-03T19:46:34Z

Title: I Just Remembered - I'm Harry
Author: Sata Lisat
Rating: R
Category: Snarry
Summary: Harry's loved ones try to deal with the aftermath of his killing Voldemort. Slash. Written in Harry's POV.

Have you ever been to a psychiatric ward?
Have you ever seen how people you thought you knew suddenly live in a parallel world only logical to them? Did you ever stand there helplessly in view of their actions? Did you cry for them when the medicines turned them into gibbering fools? Were you happy for them when they seemed better and devastated when they relapsed? And above all that hope that it might improve, desperation in the dark hours of the night and all the while the fear that they might hurt you, however unintentional.
That's how Ron and Hermione must feel. Their best friend is raving mad.

We can relate to them, we can understand their pain. Poor Ron. Poor Hermione. To have to witness your best friend in this condition...

But how does this best friend feel about it? Sata Lisat choses the hard way to tell the story, (s)he tells it from Harry's point of view. We leave the logical world that we know, to enter the parallel world in Harry's mind.

It is disturbing there. Sad. Confusing. And very enlightening.

I do not agree with every detail of this fic. Why is Harry allowed to take part in lessons where he can accidentally hurt his fellow students? What exactly is Snape's role? I find it bordering abuse. But this is such an unusual and brave fic that I encourage everybody to read it.

Maryx

Ghosts in the Attic

2005-09-28T17:02:02Z

It has been a month since the last proper update. That is shocking, more than just shocking! But now that some of us have settled in their new flats, some have overcome (well... overcome might be too strong a word here) their addiction for a certain TV series and some have mended their broken bones, we will hopefully update more often.

Now on to today's rec!

Title: Ghosts in the Attic
Author: Autumn Ruby
Category: Snarry
Summary: At 25, Harry Potter didn't expect to be blind, empathic, almost a Squib, and once more dealing with Snape. But, following the events of HBP, how did he get that way? And, with that, what effect does the past have on the evil plot brewing in his present?

Every now and then, when my 'still-to-read' list seems uninteresting, too long and full of fics that have already been rec'ced by millions of other people, I go to the place that has fanfiction at it's purest and most pristine: fanfiction.net. I can see you shake your heads disbelievingly, just wait!
Almost every archive has restriction as to what submissions it accepts. They pick those fics they regard as worthy and reject the rest. They make a selection for us - a fact for which I am very grateful as it saves us a lot of time and spares our netspeak-marred nerves - but sometimes it is just nice to go to ff.net, to wade through bad grammar, atrocious spelling and OMG1!!!s to discover a new gem, a fic that has not yet been rec'ced hundredfold.

And now my inner treasure hunter proudly presents a new precious find.

The fic is set several years post-Hogwarts. After he had lost his eye-sight in the Final Battle, Harry has retreated to the Muggle world. He is still in contact with the magical world, but most wizards are ignorant of his handicap. As is Severus Snape, who has come to order Harry to Flitwick's funeral.
There's not much to say about the plot yet. The story is still WIP, very much so in fact. Only a first, albeit sizable chapter has been published so far. But I found this first chapter very convincing and promising.

We are introduced to the main characters and see how they have changed. I really liked Snape, who did not become all nice and cuddly when he learned about Harry's disability. He wouldn't even apologise for insulting Harry's lack of taste and his clothing, even if he does feel a little guilty. No, Snape is as harsh and acid-tongued as we know him. Harry on the other hand has grown up. He is very calm and mature, in my opinion a realistic development after what he had to go through. There is no sudden sexual attraction between those two men at that point, no 'Severus realised that Potter had become very hot' or 'Harry was enthralled by Severus' velvety voice,...', so it might actually be possible that we are allowed to see some post-HBP Snarry with a realistic relationship.
I'm looking forward to it

Maryx

THE Masterlist of SCHAL-approved Fics

2005-09-06T21:04:30Z

'A Question of Etiquette' Series

2005-08-24T23:01:08Z

Title: A Question of Etiquette Series
In the following order:
Examination
A Fine Understanding
A Fond Farewell
A Moment of Privacy
An Entertaining Start
Continuing As We've Begun
Exploration and Revelation
A Temporary Arrangement
Two for Joy
Rites of Passage
Author:Amy
Category: Snarry
Rating: PG to NC-17

Being gay is not easy, especially when you are a hero of the wizarding world and all eyes are on you, especially especially when there is a certain code to follow when you do not want to disgrace yourself publicly - a gay etiquette.

Who would be better to teach these rules to our young Harry than the only other gay person at the school - Severus Snape?

The gay etiquette is a wonderful invention for us readers for it leads to wonderfully worded conversation full of double meanings and innuendos, conversations that have several levels at once. It is very amusing to watch Harry trying to adapt to this kind of language, the way he often translates everything in his head to understand what's been said and the way he sometimes slips into 'crude' muggle language when things are important for him.

I loved the PG and R rated bits of the series for their humour and their wonderful Snape-Harry interaction. I did not enjoy the majority of the NC-17 parts. It's the twins' fault! Whenever they appear the refinded conversations and the sophisticated story drop to unfortunate level of vulgarity. The main characters fall out of their roles and the smutty bits are not sexy, but boring and tasteless in their presentation. My view ot the things might me coloured here, I openly admit that twincest and a menage à quatre (you can't really call it a foursome) is a bit too much for prudish me. But still. Strangely enough, evey time the twins left, the quality of the story rose, perhaps not to the level of the first four parts, but it rose none the less.

You may ask yourself why I review a story I have so many negative things to say about. I really loved the world Amy's story is set in. I loved these conversations between Snape and Harry, the double meanings, the way Snape speaks, I loved the characterisations, I loved the taste of tea and lemon.
I think in the later parts Amy became unfaithful to her own story, she tell a different tale with a different Harry and a different Snape in a very different tone. But perhaps you are of a different opinion here, perhaps I was too squicked to see the writing in an impartial way.

I'd like to ask those who have not yet read A question of Etiquette to go and read the story and to tell me what you think.

Maryx

guest-starring: aliciamasters

A Question of Etiquette is one of the stories for which I would take a sick day in order to read a new installment. I agree that the Snape/Harry moments are the defining moments of the fic, and each interaction between them is infused with such longing, that it redefines the story again and again. The escapades with the Twins, which would normally bother me, just reinforce the frustration and temptation that Harry and Snape feel with the constant presence of each other. They are simply pacifiers until the moment of real satisfaction.

My one worry is that Amy will get so frustrated with the length of the story that she will never reach the penultimate moment between Harry and Snape. Perhaps she should've set this in the middle of 7th year!

guest-starring: Nightjunkie

While I'd never read anything of Amy's before "A Question of Etiquette", I can definitely say that I'll be awaiting her updates from here on out.

Her stories draw me in because she somehow manages to beautifully mix a canon snarky Snape with a more tortured quiet figure who provides the background for many of Snapes....well, snarks.

As for the Twins, I love them. I'll admit, I'm not easily squicked. However, the scenes with them provide an understandable plot device on why in the world Snape would be willing to be so very, very patient.

Go now. Read. Bookmark.

Still Silence and Treasure

2005-08-23T21:46:21Z

Title: Still Silence and Treasure
Author: happiestwhen
Category: Snarry
Rating: NC-17
Summary: The vault door clicks shut, a jagged sort of noise, and Harry knows he’s no longer alone.

Until now I haven't actually realized that when I read a Snape/Harry fic I usually picture them as equals. 'Still Silence and Treasure' is probably the first fic to make me so aware of the differences between Harry and Snape and the first one to remind me so strongly of the teacher/student relationship they once shared. Don't ask me why, I'm sure it's not something the author intended. And any philosophical thoughts I might have on the subject quickly died away when the closed space of the vault started to fill with hatred, repulsion, passion, lies and an ambiguous Snape, who at one moment expresses his absolute lack of care about Harry only to throw him out of harm's way mere seconds later.
I did not agree with the author on the Horcrux theory, but it was delivered in a deliciously intense and chilling way (oh, the looks!) and worked very well here. I loved the story’s ending, even despite the fact that it left me craving more.
An excellent post-HBP one-shot (just don't expect a tearful reunion :)). And very much on the NC-17 side. Be careful.
Morrighan

guest-starring: ac1d6urn

I read this piece when it was first posted. It's an excellent example of writing in its genre. I would definitely classify it as PWP, Don't expect elaborate plotlines, except for, well, the ending. It's one of the best HBP-compatible works in this pairing that I've seen so far.
I've never read a fic set in a Gringotts vault before and have to admit, I loved her choice of location. For an NC-17 story under 5000 words Sioniann did a good job developing the backstory and making the encounter believable. I think I just found myself a new fic author to stalk. :)
Yes, like Morrighan, I did get the impression of Severus: still a teacher, a mentor, despite everything that happened.

Interactivity

2005-08-22T09:05:03Z

SCHAL has been in existence for three months now, three months that were very interesting, funny and challenging. Through SCHAL we have met very great people, authors we admired from afar, too intimidated to ever count ourselves worthy of their attention suddenly friended us and left comments on SCHAL. But also many normal fans whom we might never have noticed enough on big sites like FA turned out to be fascinating people with interesting things to say.
It has been a very good time so far and we hope that there are many more months for us to come.

SCHAL's aim is not only recommending fics, but telling our readers what's good about fics and what not. Naturally as tastes differ our opinions on good and not-so-good differ as well, so every review looks at a fic from a different angle giving our readers a more complete picture of a fic.

This variety of views is great, but could yet be greater. We want to make SCHAL more interactiv.
We want you, our readers, to give your opinion.
Did we miss a certain important point? - Write your own review!
Did we praise this fic to the skies although it was cliched and full of plot holes? - Write your own review!
Did we praise it to the skies and you want to elevate it to heaven? - Write your own review!

If you decide to write a well-crafted mini essay on the pros and cons of a certain fic just post it as a comment.
We might then copy selected reviews into the main post where they add to our recommendations.
Oh, yes, and please regard the usual rules concerning spelling, grammar, netspeak and flaming.

We would just ask you to leave a name with your post (or sign in with your LJ name) and not to review fics that have not yet been reviewed by either Nessime, Morrighan or Maryx.

Now go on, read and review!

Yours,
The SCHAL team!

The Snarry Song

2005-08-22T06:43:04Z

Title: The Snarry Song
Author: Songs To Wear Pants To
Rating: PG-13 (probably...)
Category: Snarry
Summary: well i've been known to dress up for the bed
with glasses and a scar upon my head
i carry a wand and wear a cape
and get it on with severus snape

Forgive me for bending the rules, but OMG, You. Have. To. See. This!
The Snarry Song! Words fail me, go download it!
Morrighan

A huge Thank You to melora98 who commissioned the song. We're in your debt, dear. Ask for anything and thou shall receive it :).

I agree!
*Still giggling+

Maryx

Milka M–joy Caramel Crunch Chocolate

2005-08-21T12:39:03Z

Title: Milka M–joy Caramel Crunch Chocolate
Author: Kraft Foods
Rating: PG-13 (dangerous for kids!)
Category: Chocolate
Summary: Tender Milka alpine milk chocolate filled with Crunchy Caramel - a handy Snack for lunch and trips.

Milka chocolate, or the Mary-Sue of chocolates, is very creamy and therefore very sweet as it is. Adding caramel bits to it was pretty risky. Adding caramel bits hard like stones to it was a tremendous mistake. Customers are presented with a choice: either warm the product and get a safe, extremely sweet and messy sauce, or keep it cold and receive delicious chocolate with caramel that will most probably break their teeth. The producers claim that M–joy Caramel Crunch is ideal for lunch and journeys, which I simply cannot imagine considering the amount of caution that needs to be exercised while eating.
So keeping this note short: go ahead and enjoy your chocolate if you're a sugar- and/or dentists-lover; stay away if you value your time and darker tastes.
I am quite sure my little experiment with M–joy Caramel Crunch will keep me drinking black coffee for a while...
Morrighan