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20 November 2005 @ 10:31 pm
S.C.H.A.L. Community Guidelines  

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

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

  3. 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),...

  4. 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:
<b>Title:</b> <a href="add link here">Title of the fic</a>
<b>Author:</b> Author's name aka <lj user="lj user-name">
<b>Rating:</b> PG, PG-13, R, NC-17, Death-sentence,...
<b>Summary:</b> blablabla Harry blabla Snape blabla Chocolate...
(<b>Warning:</b>) 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: <br> 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


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Have a chocolate!
 
sch_addiction
09 November 2005 @ 07:34 pm
Coils of Gold  
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


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17 pieces of chocolate | Have a chocolate!
 
sch_addiction
30 October 2005 @ 09:50 pm
Give and Take  
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

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3 pieces of chocolate | Have a chocolate!
 
sch_addiction
28 October 2005 @ 11:04 pm
'Humour' , 'Melancholia' , 'Consanguinity'  

Title: 'Humour' , 'Melancholia' , 'Consanguinity'
Author: [info]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 [info]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

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8 pieces of chocolate | Have a chocolate!
 
sch_addiction
27 October 2005 @ 07:23 pm
Surprised by Harry  
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


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22 pieces of chocolate | Have a chocolate!
 
sch_addiction
25 October 2005 @ 11:31 pm
Seeing Stars  
Title: Seeing Stars
Author: [info]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. [info]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

</b></a>[info]</b></a>[info]
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7 pieces of chocolate | Have a chocolate!
 
sch_addiction
24 October 2005 @ 11:25 pm
In Principia  

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

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4 pieces of chocolate | Have a chocolate!
 
sch_addiction
22 October 2005 @ 10:38 am
Down, You Lie Down Too  
Title: Down, You Lie Down Too
Author: Resonant
Rating: NC-17
Category: Snarry
Summary:  A brief interlude of peace.

Dark times, war, some fighting, suffering. As there's no one else, Harry and Snape turn to each other. - A concept, many great writers have tried their hands on - some with great success. But Resonant's fic is unique among them. Few words tell a whole story of war and loneliness and short peaceful interludes. And there are not many writers that manage to portray Snape so wonderfully snarky.
Maryx

A bunch of flowers to Maryx for reminding me about this fic. I read it ages ago and loved it. I'm always partial to those stories which tell the entire tale with a limited number of words and 'Down, You Lie Down Too' is one of the precious few masterpieces of the kind. Amazing work. Remember to read the sequels.
Morrighan

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2 pieces of chocolate | Have a chocolate!
 
sch_addiction
12 October 2005 @ 11:31 pm
Antiquity's Corollary  
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


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13 pieces of chocolate | Have a chocolate!
 
sch_addiction
11 October 2005 @ 07:58 pm
Artemisia Absinthium  

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

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4 pieces of chocolate | Have a chocolate!
 
sch_addiction
09 October 2005 @ 06:53 pm
Half-baked Chocolate Cake  

Title: Half-baked Chocolate Cake
Author: The Sisterhood of recipe-sharers
Rating: R (unsuitable for weak-minded chocolate addicts)
Category: Chocolate
Summary: ( Chocolate Cake - deliciously rich and easy to make )

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


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4 pieces of chocolate | Have a chocolate!
 
sch_addiction
03 October 2005 @ 09:47 pm
I Just Remembered - I'm Harry  
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

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6 pieces of chocolate | Have a chocolate!
 
sch_addiction
28 September 2005 @ 05:53 pm
Ghosts in the Attic  
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

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2 pieces of chocolate | Have a chocolate!
 
sch_addiction
25 August 2005 @ 12:53 am
'A Question of Etiquette' Series  

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: [info]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.

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sch_addiction
22 August 2005 @ 11:05 am
Interactivity  
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!

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sch_addiction
22 August 2005 @ 08:41 am
The Snarry Song  
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 [info]melora98 who commissioned the song. We're in your debt, dear. Ask for anything and thou shall receive it :).

I agree!
*Still giggling+

Maryx

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sch_addiction
12 August 2005 @ 12:34 am
At the Heart of Things  
Title: At the Heart of Things
Author: empathicsiren
Category: Snarry
Rating: R
Summary: HPSS slash. Written for hpfandom.com's "Famous Last Words" Competition. After being forced to bond five years ago, domestic tranquility does not reign in the Potter-Snape household. Thinking he's found something better, Severus leaves only to discover...

Warning: Mentions Mpreg

A nice and fluffy fic (as fluffy as Snarry can get without hugely OOC major characters). empathicsiren has a rather unique  take at the Harry/Snape dynamics. We see a very quiet, almost depressingly calm househusband Harry and as he is so uninstrusive, so low-key, he's hardly more than the background before which we see Snape's transformation.
I really liked the slow changes in Snape and the way he moves towards Harry, one step after the other, but every step a little more secure than the one before. It is not easy to describe a developement in such a slow pace without it being boring. You have before you one of the very positive examples.

Maryx
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sch_addiction
10 August 2005 @ 06:19 pm
In Blood Only  

Title: In Blood Only
Author: E.M. Snape
Category: Severitus
Rating: R
Summary: Snape is Harry's father. No one is happy to hear it.

Oh, I took guilty pleasure in reading this fic.
Just in case there is still someone who hasn't heard about it, let me say loud and clearly that "In Blood Only" is this very unique Severitus fic which turns the entire "Snape is Harry's father" idea upside down. Oh, he is Harry's father, all right, but while in all other fics the two of them eventually reach an understanding, here we are 39 chapters into the story and they only recently learnt how to merely tolerate each other. Not that they always succeed, mind.
Snape is an utter bastard, which usually makes me grin in delight. This time, however, I found myself yearning to slap him more than once. Hard. And then slap the (furious/brooding/ignorant/cheeky) brat Harry as well, for good measure.
I'm also willing to bet that it's not an uncommon reaction. I'm open to discussions :).  
Morrighan

I pride myself to be the first one to have rec'ced this fic on FA (on the PRESTO rec list) (in case I'm wrong about it, would you please let me believe in my pioneer work instead of pointing out that the fic already had 200 reviews by the time I found it. Thanks, I appreciate your concern for my mental well-being.) But to be honest, I have not read a single chapter since. Since November. Chapter 10? I suppose I should have. I remember that Snape was nastily IC and Harry was bad-tempered. And he accomplished Occlumency because of the Cupboard. Yep, that was it. I suppose it's time for me to catch up with the fic and the rest of the fandom. I will do so after a bit of sleep and with a better blood/alcohol ratio.
Maryx

I'm such a wimp. I have a really hard time reading this story. Every chapter sits in my browser, sometimes for days, while I get up my courage to read it. That's not to say it isn't good, because it is. It's excellently written and Snape is very in character and extraordinarily ambiguous. One of the things that I love about it is the progression of Snape's feelings for Harry. It works so well and he's always so stunned when he realizes that what he's thinking is a parental response to something about Harry. What I don't like is the darkness of it as I'm not a huge fan of dark!fic. Harry starts exploring dark magic a bit in a bid to get revenge on Bellatrix and even Lucius and Snape encourages him in it to a certain degree. This makes me extremely uncomfortable at times. In all, a good read, but I don't like it... if that makes any sense.
-Nessi
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sch_addiction
09 August 2005 @ 02:16 pm
Garments and Critters  
Title: Garments and Critters
Author: Natt(ish)
Category: Snarry
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Severus is tortured by his husband, Harry Potter, and their son on his and Harry's anniversary with gift exchange and puppies.
Warning: Hints of Mpreg

Severus Snape was being held hostage by a height-challenged man with over-large spectacles, a hyperactive toddler, and a puppy card. He should have stayed with Voldemort. At least he would be dead now.
Why should Snape suddenly become all soft and cuddly and nice only because he has children of his own? In 'Garments and Critters' Natt paints a wonderful portrait of  sarcastic Canon!Snape in the face of romantic anniversaries and cute congratulation cards. He's not happy with 'Potter' and 'the spawn'.

Maryx

Oh, wow. Let me be a little inarticulate this time. That was definitely... unique. I'm still grinning.
"Papa, papa, papa."

Morrighan

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sch_addiction
08 August 2005 @ 08:07 pm
On Sense & Sensibility  
Title: On Sense and Sensibility
Author: Darth Stitch
Category: pre-Snarry
Rating: G+ (whatever that means - very tame though)
Summary: Harry comes out to his friends. Set in the As You Wish universe and told from the point of view of Hermione Granger. A Snarry pre-slash story.

Forget the universe surrounding this story, you can very well enjoy that one as a nice little entertaining stand-alone fic. No, I am wrong: Do not forget about the 'As you wish' universe, it is very enjoyable, especially if you are a 'Princess Bride' fan, but it is not essential for understanding our little fic here.
The basics: A coming-out story (there are by far not enough of them IMO). While watching 'Sense and Sensibility' Harry tells his friends the truth. Not everyone reacts as anticipated.
Some funny dialog, some Ron-teasing and quite a bit of Rickman adoration.

Maryx

This immensely long, complicated and detailed review is dedicated to Morrighan, who will now enjoy her new DVD even more ;-)

Why, thank you! I am already enjoying my new DVD immensely, now I’m going to enjoy it far too much!
I really liked this little fic. Apart from being rather fond of those stories where wizards try to grasp the workings of particular Muggle devices, I greatly appreciate a piece of lighter reading from time to time, when I can sit back, relax and be sure that nothing dark and angsty will jump at me from around the corner. Fics of this kind are like pills for broodiness.
Morrighan

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