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  

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></b></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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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  

Title: Absolution
Author: Rushlight
Category: Snarry
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Snape is forced to make a difficult decision when Harry is captured by Death Eaters, and they both have to find a way to deal with the aftermath. 

'Absolution' or Another Fic Which The Snarry World Needs To Be Reminded About.
Some people say it's disturbing, and well, yes, it should be, it does begin with a rape scene after all. However what those people need to remember is that this story does not focus on the darkness of the deed itself, but rather presents an admirable struggle to deal with it afterwards, the struggle not only of the victim, but also of the offender and the strength they both need to simply live on.
I suppose it may be wrong of me to find this story peaceful, but I do. I can't help thinking that in the place where innocence and dreams were lost, something greater and far more important came to life.
'Absolution' became my "story of hope" years ago. And it has not been replaced yet.
Morrighan

guest-starring: ac1d6urn

arachnethe2

A truly original idea, carried out very neatly. A touch of depression and sentimentality, though expressed in a surprisingly light language which helps create an interesting contrast. And beautiful. Heartwrenchingly beautiful.
Morrighan

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

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

Morrighan

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

This story has got everything I'm dedicated to in Snarry fics: it's post-Hogwarts, the magic is gone, Snape is of the "non-wizarding teacher" quality and there is no sunshine and roses even though the war is over. Furthermore, Harry and Severus are in a relationship of my favourite kind: as two unlikely allies, learning to cope with new developments and with each other. And when I thought the story could not get any better, the author puts W.H. Auden’s „Lullaby” in Snape’s mouth, thus earning my ultimate devotion. A beautiful, beautiful fic.
Morrighan

guest-starring: ac1d6urn

Oh hell, Maryx! I'm actually intimidated here, for a while you made me feel like a child stealing a cookie :). I swear I love Diana, I really do! Anyway, I'm going to forgive you this time as you reminded me of two fics I read and enjoyed some time ago. They are both very nicely written lighter stories with a fair dose of humour.The fangirly part of me especially loved Miss Stoner's reaction to the sight of a particular Potions Master in jacuzzi. And when I think of Snape trapped in a lift... :) On a different note: I was surprised to remember the "Harry, let me kill him" bits. Strangly accurate :).
Morrighan

Title: The Pandora Complex
Author: Nimori
Category: Snarry
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Some boxes, once opened, are impossible to shut.

Notice: This story is password protected. If you can’t enter the site, go here for password.

Today I decided to come back to this older piece of classic literature, because if there are still people who haven't read it, they should definitely remedy the situation right away.
If I were to describe 'The Pandora Complex' with one word, it would be "hysterical". It's one of those precious few fics which I can re-read countless times, every time laughing like a maniac and attracting unnecessary attention. Why? Because Snape discovers fanfiction. And the world is coming to an end :). I won't go into further details here, I don't want to ruin your reading. Let me just assure the readers who are not very fond of Snarriness or NC-17 content that this story could be easily divided into two parts, the first one being totally innocent and still making tears of laughter run down your faces.
All in all, a very enjoyable read.
Morrighan

Title: Catching Fire
Author: AbstractConcept (the_con_cept)
Category: Snarry
Rating: R?
Summary: During the war, Harry and Severus look for a secret place to relieve their tension.

As the fic is only 530 words long, there is hardly anything I can say about it without spoiling its atmosphere or the general surprise.
So let me just assure you that 530 words was enough to convey all the passion and desperation of the story behind these words, and even more than I needed to fully understand the situation of two (involuntary?) lovers. A truly original and beautifully written piece.
Morrighan

I was so afraid of reading this fic. I often find it difficult to lose myself in a first person point of view and I had serious doubts about the sheer heaviness of the story at the beginning. As it turned out, all my fears were completely unfounded. What I received from the author was an original idea, wonderful language, lost joy, forgotten happiness, life full of despair, hatred and love so closely interwoven, and the bittersweet relationship between enemies/allies. An incredible read. Yet another proof that HBP was just a beginning.
Morrighan