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S.C.H.A.L.
The Snape Chocolate Harry Addiction League
12 October 2005 @ 11:31 pm
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
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
13 August 2005 @ 01:00 pm
Title: Canvas Kissing Fool
Author:![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
arachnethe2
Category:Snarry
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Deep down in the dungeons is a secret, Severus is keeping from everyone.
This is an excellent little story. I'm having a hard time trying to summarize this without giving the entire thing away. Suffice it to say this is an extremely interesting concept and it's very well-written, though there are a few minor grammar/punctuation mistakes. The tone is fairly light and that just adds to the overall story as said tone is slightly deceptive. I wish I could say more, but that would mean giving it away and you really need to read it without being spoiled. In all, a great read.
-Nessi
Author:
arachnethe2 Category:Snarry
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Deep down in the dungeons is a secret, Severus is keeping from everyone.
This is an excellent little story. I'm having a hard time trying to summarize this without giving the entire thing away. Suffice it to say this is an extremely interesting concept and it's very well-written, though there are a few minor grammar/punctuation mistakes. The tone is fairly light and that just adds to the overall story as said tone is slightly deceptive. I wish I could say more, but that would mean giving it away and you really need to read it without being spoiled. In all, a great read.
-Nessi
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
10 August 2005 @ 06:19 pm
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
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
08 August 2005 @ 02:15 am
Title: Peripheral Vision
Author: Alexandra Dane
Category: Snarry
Rating: PG-13
Summary: As Severus had so often reminded him, the simple fact of both being unattached gay wizards who through no fault of their own happened to be sharing a very small living space and developing a kind of mutual dependency did not automatically make them either compatible or attractive to one another.
I shall attempt to overcome my speechlessness about this story and give a decent review. First off, I cannot conceive why this story isn't far better known than it is. It's absolutely lovely. This story takes place after the war with Voldemort ended with magic vanishing from everyone and blinding many wizards. Much of that part is not explained and it is immaterial to the story and soon one gets so caught up in the dialogue that one forgets any confusion about what went on before this all began. Both Harry and Severus are blind and end up sharing a room at a facility for the blinded wizards and witches. The wizarding world is trying to pick up the pieces and integrate into the muggle world by establishing a school. A certain river in Egypt comes to mind while reading this, but not so much being in denial as being outwardly in denial. The progression of the story and the relationship between the two ties into this denial and is fantastic. There are all these little things that make it delightful. One thing that struck me about it is the absolute lack of visual descriptions as both men are blind. It was an excellent bit of writing as it forced the reader to imagine things the way that Harry and Severus experienced them. Another thing is the thought of EnglishProfessor!Snape, which is positively stunning to me. In all, an excellent read.
-Nessi
guest-starring:ac1d6urn
It's been awhile since I read Peripheral Vision but I remember well how beautiful and well-written and strange this story is. So strange that it can easily be an original work but nonetheless I am thankful that it's an HP/SS fanfic. It's detailed, and peaceful, and seems so ordinary and yet shocking at the same time. It made me think, it made me smile, it made me worry and want a happy ending for these two. It drew me in and I was thrilled to witness these two find a bit of happiness together.
Author: Alexandra Dane
Category: Snarry
Rating: PG-13
Summary: As Severus had so often reminded him, the simple fact of both being unattached gay wizards who through no fault of their own happened to be sharing a very small living space and developing a kind of mutual dependency did not automatically make them either compatible or attractive to one another.
I shall attempt to overcome my speechlessness about this story and give a decent review. First off, I cannot conceive why this story isn't far better known than it is. It's absolutely lovely. This story takes place after the war with Voldemort ended with magic vanishing from everyone and blinding many wizards. Much of that part is not explained and it is immaterial to the story and soon one gets so caught up in the dialogue that one forgets any confusion about what went on before this all began. Both Harry and Severus are blind and end up sharing a room at a facility for the blinded wizards and witches. The wizarding world is trying to pick up the pieces and integrate into the muggle world by establishing a school. A certain river in Egypt comes to mind while reading this, but not so much being in denial as being outwardly in denial. The progression of the story and the relationship between the two ties into this denial and is fantastic. There are all these little things that make it delightful. One thing that struck me about it is the absolute lack of visual descriptions as both men are blind. It was an excellent bit of writing as it forced the reader to imagine things the way that Harry and Severus experienced them. Another thing is the thought of EnglishProfessor!Snape, which is positively stunning to me. In all, an excellent read.
-Nessi
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:
ac1d6urnIt's been awhile since I read Peripheral Vision but I remember well how beautiful and well-written and strange this story is. So strange that it can easily be an original work but nonetheless I am thankful that it's an HP/SS fanfic. It's detailed, and peaceful, and seems so ordinary and yet shocking at the same time. It made me think, it made me smile, it made me worry and want a happy ending for these two. It drew me in and I was thrilled to witness these two find a bit of happiness together.
24 July 2005 @ 12:43 pm
Title: Home
Author: Bluethought
Category: Gen, a bit Pre-Slashy
Rating: PG-13
Summary: The War has ended. Harry is alone and in pain. Funnily enough, so is Snape. Their hatred is strong. Some things can be stronger. HBP spoilers. Preslash? I'm not sure. You decide.
The emotions in this story are amazingly intense. After the war ends, Harry becomes a hermit of sorts, cutting himself off from the world. ( HBP Spoilers ) This story is told by Harry in the first person POV. He's so conflicted. He needs Snape even while he hates him and it tears him apart a bit. The language is wonderful and I love the title of the story and how it fits with the text. Excellent post-HBP story, just they way post-HBP stories should be.
-Nessi
Author: Bluethought
Category: Gen, a bit Pre-Slashy
Rating: PG-13
Summary: The War has ended. Harry is alone and in pain. Funnily enough, so is Snape. Their hatred is strong. Some things can be stronger. HBP spoilers. Preslash? I'm not sure. You decide.
The emotions in this story are amazingly intense. After the war ends, Harry becomes a hermit of sorts, cutting himself off from the world. ( HBP Spoilers ) This story is told by Harry in the first person POV. He's so conflicted. He needs Snape even while he hates him and it tears him apart a bit. The language is wonderful and I love the title of the story and how it fits with the text. Excellent post-HBP story, just they way post-HBP stories should be.
-Nessi
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
24 July 2005 @ 01:42 am
Title: Return to the Fire
Author: KCINLONDON
Category: Snarry
Rating: NC-17 (Though KC probably could have gotten away with an 'R')
Summary: Two men meet in the snowy mountains of northern Japan. One burned by an excess of affection, the other frozen by its absence.
Wow. I just found this gorgeous little story over at RestrictedSection and fell immediately in love with it. This post-war story finds two men brought together in the last place either one expected to find the other. The language is exquisite, as is the imagery. There's so much more I'd like to say, but as this is a one-shot, it's hard to say much without giving away everything. Suffice it to say, this story is a lovely read that is heartbreaking at points and almost sweet at other points. The simile at the end in regards to Severus is in my opinion one of the best parts of the fic and that's saying something as it's all very good.
-Nessi
Author: KCINLONDON
Category: Snarry
Rating: NC-17 (Though KC probably could have gotten away with an 'R')
Summary: Two men meet in the snowy mountains of northern Japan. One burned by an excess of affection, the other frozen by its absence.
Wow. I just found this gorgeous little story over at RestrictedSection and fell immediately in love with it. This post-war story finds two men brought together in the last place either one expected to find the other. The language is exquisite, as is the imagery. There's so much more I'd like to say, but as this is a one-shot, it's hard to say much without giving away everything. Suffice it to say, this story is a lovely read that is heartbreaking at points and almost sweet at other points. The simile at the end in regards to Severus is in my opinion one of the best parts of the fic and that's saying something as it's all very good.
-Nessi
19 July 2005 @ 07:21 pm
Title: The nature of
Horcruxes
Author: Claggart
Category: Snarry
Rating: PG-13
Summary: ( Spoiler )
I was not sure if I should review a chaptered story where only two chapters exist so far. I decided yes, why not? We are all desperately waiting for post-HBP stories.
I liked Claggart's first chapters. There are some new ideas regarding the nature of souls and the characterisation of Dumbledore is spot-on. Unfortunately there hasn't been any Snape yet.
I do find it rather difficult to say anything about this fic, afraid of giving something about HBP away. I suppose I'll edit this review in a months or two when we decide that spoiling is okay ;-)
Maryx
There's not much to say that Maryx didn't already say, but I will add that Claggart has an excellent and intersting start and I'm very eager to read more of her story.
Nessi
10 July 2005 @ 06:11 pm
Title: Anywhere But Here
Author: Sam Vimes (copperbadge)
Category: Gen
Rating: G
Summary: Severus Snape runs into an old student in an
unlikely place, and tells some uncomfortable truths to the Boy Who Ran Away.
Five years after the war, two men, seaside and a conversation. Sam
Vimes gives us the chance to glance at a believable post-war reality, two
fighters once full of hatred, and the way they perceive each other in this new
world. A piece wonderful in its simplicity.
Morrighan
-Nessi
guest-starring:
ac1d6urn“He'd spent the summer in some seaside town, working as an errand boy for a hotel that catered strictly to the magical crowd.”
This story was written before Book Six, but I am amazed at how well the description fits the post-HBP Severus, knowing what we know now about Severus’ half-blood background after Book 6. Southend-On-Sea automatically makes me think of another seaside town, Weston-Super-Mare, a possible location of Spinner’s End.
This is a simple tale of two people meeting by accident and having a conversation. Nothing more, nothing less. What makes the story interesting is the fact that these two individuals are the ones to walk away with most nightmares, shocking memories they’d rather forget, and painful experiences to put behind them before they can move on after the defeat of the Dark Lord. It’s only appropriate that one day after years of trying to get their own lives back on track these two people meet and have a talk about the past and maybe even help each other adjust to the world without Voldemort.
Copperbadge gives us a very realistic glimpse of Severus, still a teacher, and Harry, a man with a lesson to learn after all these years.
10 July 2005 @ 03:39 pm
Title: Anybody Else
Author: dementordelta
Categoryy: Snarry
Rating: NC-17
Summary: None given.
And what is it this
time? I'll tell you what: it's lots and lots of Parseltongue (are you running to read it yet?) and Snape-Harry
interactions, wrapped up in Delta's usual gentle humour, accurate
characterization, fantastic dialogue and, as a bonus, a touch of mystery and
history. All in all, an interesting and most appreciated break from the
jumping-straight-to-bed fics. But I won't tell you more. Have a look.
Morrighan
-Nessi
05 July 2005 @ 06:49 pm
Title: Changes
Author: Procyonblack
Category: Severitus
Status: WIP, but there is only one chapter left and the author says that it is completed
Rating: PG
Summary: Why is Harry's appearance changing, and why does his hair turn greasy so quickly? The Gryffindors are puzzled, but will Snape face up to facts? And will Harry? Severitus, emotion-centered, (subtle) parody.
While Procyonblack says that this is a parody, even the bits that are obviously parody are so much better quality than the stories being parodied, that the fact that it is parody fades away and one just enjoys the story. Harry's characterization is superb and I really enjoy her take on Severus. The development of the relationship between Harry and Severus is handled quite well and I really liked Procyonblack's method of bringing them a bit closer together initially. This story is balanced quite well, there's just the right amounts of humor (two words: wolfskin rug), angst, drama, and lightheartedness. In all, a very enjoyable read.
-Nessi
Author: Procyonblack
Category: Severitus
Status: WIP, but there is only one chapter left and the author says that it is completed
Rating: PG
Summary: Why is Harry's appearance changing, and why does his hair turn greasy so quickly? The Gryffindors are puzzled, but will Snape face up to facts? And will Harry? Severitus, emotion-centered, (subtle) parody.
While Procyonblack says that this is a parody, even the bits that are obviously parody are so much better quality than the stories being parodied, that the fact that it is parody fades away and one just enjoys the story. Harry's characterization is superb and I really enjoy her take on Severus. The development of the relationship between Harry and Severus is handled quite well and I really liked Procyonblack's method of bringing them a bit closer together initially. This story is balanced quite well, there's just the right amounts of humor (two words: wolfskin rug), angst, drama, and lightheartedness. In all, a very enjoyable read.
-Nessi
04 July 2005 @ 11:34 pm
Title: Hush
Author: Mia Ugly
Category: Snarry
Rating: R
Summary: None Given
Notice: Password required.
This fic is absolutely lovely in a slightly gut-wrenching sort of way. Harry is gone and a very much in denial Snape can't sleep. This story shows Snape's mental journey as he tries to deal with a life of isolation (mostly self-imposed) and comes closer (though never quite getting there) to realizing what he feels. There are moments when one is very concerned for his sanity. The format Mia uses is wonderful. She tells the story through memories, many parenthetical comments (Snape's inner monologue), and the narrator's description of Snape's inner workings. The language is fabulous and the ending is perfect.
-Nessi
Author: Mia Ugly
Category: Snarry
Rating: R
Summary: None Given
Notice: Password required.
This fic is absolutely lovely in a slightly gut-wrenching sort of way. Harry is gone and a very much in denial Snape can't sleep. This story shows Snape's mental journey as he tries to deal with a life of isolation (mostly self-imposed) and comes closer (though never quite getting there) to realizing what he feels. There are moments when one is very concerned for his sanity. The format Mia uses is wonderful. She tells the story through memories, many parenthetical comments (Snape's inner monologue), and the narrator's description of Snape's inner workings. The language is fabulous and the ending is perfect.
-Nessi
Oh yes. When I first read a fic by Mia, I knew that I was going to read every single piece she could ever write. I'm glad to say that 'Hush' wasn't even close to disappointing me. It was not only masterfully written, but also amazingly original and what's the most interesting: unsettling. Why? Because to the very end I didn't know the answers to crucial questions: Why was Snape alone? Why wasn't he at Hogwarts? What happened to Harry? Was Harry even alive??? And the atmosphere Mia created didn't help me calm down, not in the slightest. That's why I find this piece so special.
Morrighan
03 July 2005 @ 05:57 pm
Title: The Best Gift
Author: Jade Lee
Category: Snarry
Rating: PG
Summary: Harry receives a mysterious present at Christmas.
The Best Gift is a lovely story that takes place during Harry's final year at Hogwarts, during Christmas. This is the first Christmas after the final battle and Harry finds himself staying at Hogwarts virtually alone. Most everyone else is either dead, or gone home for the holidays. When the only gift Harry receives comes from a mysterious sender, Harry sets about finding who it was from. This story explores Harry's emotional state and how losing his friends has changed him. The characterization of Snape is wonderful, I love his snarks and his abruptness. Jade ends it fabulously. While much of the story left me aching for Harry, the ending left me smiling.
Nessi
Author: Jade Lee
Category: Snarry
Rating: PG
Summary: Harry receives a mysterious present at Christmas.
The Best Gift is a lovely story that takes place during Harry's final year at Hogwarts, during Christmas. This is the first Christmas after the final battle and Harry finds himself staying at Hogwarts virtually alone. Most everyone else is either dead, or gone home for the holidays. When the only gift Harry receives comes from a mysterious sender, Harry sets about finding who it was from. This story explores Harry's emotional state and how losing his friends has changed him. The characterization of Snape is wonderful, I love his snarks and his abruptness. Jade ends it fabulously. While much of the story left me aching for Harry, the ending left me smiling.
Nessi
03 July 2005 @ 04:37 pm
Title: Learning To Spell
Author: Nattish
Category: Guardian
Rating: PG
Summary: Harry is very young and has been sent to live with Snape. He finds it easier to make friends with the forest creatures than the mean old man.
This is a sweet little AU story that I fell in love with from the first few sentences. It's told from the point of view of Harry as a rather young child (about 5 or 6) and there are these lovely little moments and sentences that show that, such as measuring distance in the amount of hops away something is or Harry's habit of naming the plants in Snape's garden with his own unique little names when he doesn't know the proper one. Harry's innocent, yet intelligent observations are a delight to read and his reactions to Snape are wonderful and well characterized. While there is a moment in which I think Snape aquiesces a little too quickly, it is otherwise an excellent story and the ending is wonderful.
Nessi
I liked this little story as well. Nattish has a wonderful way of portraying a yound child. I think I never read a story where I could see so much of how a child's mind works. A refreshing change!
Maryx
Author: Nattish
Category: Guardian
Rating: PG
Summary: Harry is very young and has been sent to live with Snape. He finds it easier to make friends with the forest creatures than the mean old man.
This is a sweet little AU story that I fell in love with from the first few sentences. It's told from the point of view of Harry as a rather young child (about 5 or 6) and there are these lovely little moments and sentences that show that, such as measuring distance in the amount of hops away something is or Harry's habit of naming the plants in Snape's garden with his own unique little names when he doesn't know the proper one. Harry's innocent, yet intelligent observations are a delight to read and his reactions to Snape are wonderful and well characterized. While there is a moment in which I think Snape aquiesces a little too quickly, it is otherwise an excellent story and the ending is wonderful.
Nessi
I liked this little story as well. Nattish has a wonderful way of portraying a yound child. I think I never read a story where I could see so much of how a child's mind works. A refreshing change!
Maryx
08 June 2005 @ 09:31 pm
Title: She's a . . . Lady?
Author: Abstract Concept
Category: Snarry
Rating: R
Summary: A humourous tale about Harry getting all dressed up with somewhere to go--to save Severus...and maybe try to seduce him, as well. Notes: No actual het was produced in the writing of this story.
I'm not usually a huge fan of Snarry humor stories, but this one is too ridiculous to resist, with a Snape that leans rather more towards being in character than not. Her Harry on the other hand, while not bad, is a little too effected by the potion (which presents its own amusements). In all, I liked most of the story and it was excellent for a laugh that I desperately needed. Don't go looking for anything terribly serious here, but you will find fun and a bit of fluff.
-Nessi
Author: Abstract Concept
Category: Snarry
Rating: R
Summary: A humourous tale about Harry getting all dressed up with somewhere to go--to save Severus...and maybe try to seduce him, as well. Notes: No actual het was produced in the writing of this story.
I'm not usually a huge fan of Snarry humor stories, but this one is too ridiculous to resist, with a Snape that leans rather more towards being in character than not. Her Harry on the other hand, while not bad, is a little too effected by the potion (which presents its own amusements). In all, I liked most of the story and it was excellent for a laugh that I desperately needed. Don't go looking for anything terribly serious here, but you will find fun and a bit of fluff.
-Nessi
08 June 2005 @ 09:23 pm
Title: Sacrifice Knowing
Author: Dianann
Category: Snarry Pre-Slash
Rating: PG-13
Summary: After a routine summoning goes deathly wrong for Snape, how will Harry react?
There were several things that I really liked about Sacrifice Knowing. It's an intense story told from Harry's point of view, starting on an unbearably boring and hot summer day cooped up in Number 12, when a blood-covered and dying Severus Snape literally drops in the front door. This story explores Harry's reactions to this event, but the real strength of the story is the way that Dianann does this. She never says precisely what Harry is feeling. The narrator's omniscience is limited, we only learn bits and pieces. Instead we learn what Harry is thinking and feeling mainly through his words and actions. This story by no means solves any problems or answers any questions, but it shows a start of something and a lovely start at that.
-Nessi
Author: Dianann
Category: Snarry Pre-Slash
Rating: PG-13
Summary: After a routine summoning goes deathly wrong for Snape, how will Harry react?
There were several things that I really liked about Sacrifice Knowing. It's an intense story told from Harry's point of view, starting on an unbearably boring and hot summer day cooped up in Number 12, when a blood-covered and dying Severus Snape literally drops in the front door. This story explores Harry's reactions to this event, but the real strength of the story is the way that Dianann does this. She never says precisely what Harry is feeling. The narrator's omniscience is limited, we only learn bits and pieces. Instead we learn what Harry is thinking and feeling mainly through his words and actions. This story by no means solves any problems or answers any questions, but it shows a start of something and a lovely start at that.
-Nessi
I loved the way the author managed to describe the atmosphere in this fic: the boredom at the beginning, so heavy that I could actually see Harry, Hermione and Ron sitting at the top of the stairs; then Snape, and panic, and blood; then the quiet of the night; Snape's damage, his rasping voice and Harry's "Thank you" in the end. But could I expect anything else? It's Dianann after all.
Morrighan
05 June 2005 @ 12:28 am
Title: Good Enough
Author: Perse
Category: Guardian, father/son (not biological)
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Post-war, with two most unlikely survivors. (Snape and Harry, non-slash)
Good Enough is a superbly written one-shot which shows how two people make their way through life after the war. I can't really write a proper review without giving away some things that I think you need to just discover on your own by reading the story, but I shall attempt. Very quickly you find that everything is not quite right with the opening from Harry's point of view. It shifts to Snape's point of view for the remaining 2/3 of the story, which works quite well for the circumstances. Perse writes Good Enough in such a way that it is sweet and beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time. The last few paragraphs are especially lovely. This little fic of less than 3000 words manages to have a greater emotional impact than many novel-length monstrosities.
Nessime
Author: Perse
Category: Guardian, father/son (not biological)
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Post-war, with two most unlikely survivors. (Snape and Harry, non-slash)
Good Enough is a superbly written one-shot which shows how two people make their way through life after the war. I can't really write a proper review without giving away some things that I think you need to just discover on your own by reading the story, but I shall attempt. Very quickly you find that everything is not quite right with the opening from Harry's point of view. It shifts to Snape's point of view for the remaining 2/3 of the story, which works quite well for the circumstances. Perse writes Good Enough in such a way that it is sweet and beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time. The last few paragraphs are especially lovely. This little fic of less than 3000 words manages to have a greater emotional impact than many novel-length monstrosities.
Nessime
03 June 2005 @ 09:03 am
Title: A Taste of Liberty
Author: Lamardeuse
Rating: NC-17
Category: Snarry
Summary: Before the final battle, Harry Potter plays hooky
and learns about another world.
A crossover, ladies and
gentlemen, with a TV show which I had never heard about before reading
the fic. (*cough*I-didn't-know-the-fic-was-a-cros
Morrighan
Nessime
01 June 2005 @ 09:29 pm
Title: The Care of Infants
Author:stellahobbit
Category: Snarry
Rating: NC-17
Summary: A curse from Voldemort regresses Harry to infancy. Snape must protect him while the Order tries to find a way to reverse the spell.
In a suite of carefully selected scences we witness Harry growing up under the supervision of a reluctantly fatherly Snape. We see them bonding over paintings and police games, milk and memories.
We see how Snape slowly comes to accept and respect Harry as a person and how Harry looks up to him as a role model, a person to be admired.
And it isstellahobbit's greatest achievement that she manages to turn this father-son relationship into a relationship of lovers, very convincing and not the least incestuous.
I loved the characterisation of Harry, especially the way he acts and speaks like a real child in this fic.
A nice, well-written story that I would recommend to everyone that has an hour to spare. (It's only novella length).
Maryx
Stellahobbit deserves commendation, if nothing else for managing to write this story without making it completely odd and squicky, which with the general plot, it definitely had the potential to be. Instead, she made it seem like an almost logical progression. I think she accomplishes this by never having Severus actually be 'dad' to Harry. Harry never thinks of Severus as a family member, just as the person taking care of him. I still find myself a little bit uncomfortable with the concept, but it works well here.
She has some wonderfully funny lines all delivered with Snape's dry, sarcastic wit. The characterization of Severus is perfect and the progression of their relationship is quite interesting. I really like how Severus never tells Harry how he feels about him, but how very apparent it is, especially in the end. In all, a good read with superb writing by Stellahobbit.
Nessime
Author:
stellahobbit Category: Snarry
Rating: NC-17
Summary: A curse from Voldemort regresses Harry to infancy. Snape must protect him while the Order tries to find a way to reverse the spell.
In a suite of carefully selected scences we witness Harry growing up under the supervision of a reluctantly fatherly Snape. We see them bonding over paintings and police games, milk and memories.
We see how Snape slowly comes to accept and respect Harry as a person and how Harry looks up to him as a role model, a person to be admired.
And it is
stellahobbit's greatest achievement that she manages to turn this father-son relationship into a relationship of lovers, very convincing and not the least incestuous. I loved the characterisation of Harry, especially the way he acts and speaks like a real child in this fic.
A nice, well-written story that I would recommend to everyone that has an hour to spare. (It's only novella length).
Maryx
Stellahobbit deserves commendation, if nothing else for managing to write this story without making it completely odd and squicky, which with the general plot, it definitely had the potential to be. Instead, she made it seem like an almost logical progression. I think she accomplishes this by never having Severus actually be 'dad' to Harry. Harry never thinks of Severus as a family member, just as the person taking care of him. I still find myself a little bit uncomfortable with the concept, but it works well here.
She has some wonderfully funny lines all delivered with Snape's dry, sarcastic wit. The characterization of Severus is perfect and the progression of their relationship is quite interesting. I really like how Severus never tells Harry how he feels about him, but how very apparent it is, especially in the end. In all, a good read with superb writing by Stellahobbit.
Nessime
31 May 2005 @ 10:47 pm
Title: Fly-Fishing for Beginners
Author: Jay Tryfanstone
Category: Snarry
Rating: R
Summary: Books, few owls and very little magic. (One-Shot)
If you've read and enjoyed 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff, you will definitely enjoy Fly-Fishing for Beginners. I honestly cannot believe that I hadn't heard of, or read it before now. This lovely story is filled with literary allusions and references. Jay's narrative style is superb and fits the story perfectly. The point of view switches between Harry and Severus, but I did not find the switches to be either confusing or jarring. The story is addressed to the reader, which is not something one finds often and I found it refreshing. I love Harry's attempt at subtle seduction and how he gives up when he perceives that it's not working and just asks for what he wants. This story is witty, well-written, and one of the best short Snarry one-shots that I've read.
Nessime
guest-starring:ac1d6urn
When I’m in the mood for something well thought-out, light-hearted, and humorous I reread Fly-Fishing for Beginners. It never fails to make me smile. There’s something very charming and effective about Jay Tryfanstone’s writing style, with her subtle, quirky humour and all the little details provided in parentheses. The story's bright, relaxed atmosphere should clash horribly with the pairing, with the characters, but somehow it doesn’t: it fits them perfectly instead. Jay’s Snape and Harry deserve a break, a getaway, and they find it at last in a quiet Muggle town, a few good books, and each other.
"We'll learn." Snape said, and believed it.
I believed it as well.
Author: Jay Tryfanstone
Category: Snarry
Rating: R
Summary: Books, few owls and very little magic. (One-Shot)
If you've read and enjoyed 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff, you will definitely enjoy Fly-Fishing for Beginners. I honestly cannot believe that I hadn't heard of, or read it before now. This lovely story is filled with literary allusions and references. Jay's narrative style is superb and fits the story perfectly. The point of view switches between Harry and Severus, but I did not find the switches to be either confusing or jarring. The story is addressed to the reader, which is not something one finds often and I found it refreshing. I love Harry's attempt at subtle seduction and how he gives up when he perceives that it's not working and just asks for what he wants. This story is witty, well-written, and one of the best short Snarry one-shots that I've read.
Nessime
I can't believe I missed this story. How can such a little gem sit somewhere out there unnoticed?!? This piece is original, its style and language are exquisite, and it reminds me why I feel like a child in a sweet shop every time I enter a library. I loved the literary allusions and the interesting change of perspective: for once, we leave the past behind and meet two adult people who share a passion. And it works very well. So well, that I want to read more stories by Jay Tryfanstone. More, and more, and more...
Morrighan
guest-starring:
ac1d6urnWhen I’m in the mood for something well thought-out, light-hearted, and humorous I reread Fly-Fishing for Beginners. It never fails to make me smile. There’s something very charming and effective about Jay Tryfanstone’s writing style, with her subtle, quirky humour and all the little details provided in parentheses. The story's bright, relaxed atmosphere should clash horribly with the pairing, with the characters, but somehow it doesn’t: it fits them perfectly instead. Jay’s Snape and Harry deserve a break, a getaway, and they find it at last in a quiet Muggle town, a few good books, and each other.
"We'll learn." Snape said, and believed it.
I believed it as well.