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: 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

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

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

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

Title: The Profile
Author: Barbarella (anal_cram_ink)
Category: Snarry
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Harry finally gets his man.

Warning: – Seriously big spoilers for HBP. Don't continue reading if you haven't finished book 6 yet. :)

I officially admit to having been overwhelmed by this irrational fear that there will be no more good stories after HBP. After reading 'The Profile' the irrational fear, equally officially, goes to hell.
Barbarella not only gives us some new fic to hold on to now that the book is finished. She gives us a fic that is well thought out, nicely developed, clever, witty, dark, heartwrenching, hot and utterly amazing in its beauty. It's what calms me after Book 6 and what makes waiting for Book 7 easier. It's exactly what I want right now.
Morrighan

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.

Pure Gen. Isn't it refreshing? :)
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

guest-starring: ac1d6urn

Title: Seeing Red
Author: dementordelta
Category: Snarry
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Sequel to "When Harry Kissed Severus": Harry doesn't even attempt to resist subtle seduction.

I cannot express how much I appreciate it when authors don't make their characters jump at each other from the very first line, but let the tension between them build up slowly and subtly. That itself is usually enough to hold my attention. But what if an author additionally used language exquisite like velvet, offered flawless characterization and touched upon the issues of wizarding traditions?
Read "Seeing Red" and find out. I did. And it will be no exaggeration to say that Harry was not the only person seduced here. 
Morrighan

Title: Legilimens
Author: Jocelyn
Rating: PG
Category: Severitus/Guardian
Summary: The darkest hour of the night comes right before the dawn of a new day. Snape and Harry are trapped alone together in the aftermath of Voldemort's destruction.

Every now and then I need a little tear-jerker, a story taking place under Voldemort's feet, when all hope seems to be lost and life is coming to an end. And while this topic is not uncommon in fics, it was 'Legilimens' which satisfied any need for tears I might have.
Jocelyn offers a slightly different point of view on the typical 'capture' scene. There are no great battles, fierce defiance or heroic deeds. There is only a lost boy, straved for love, and an ally (hardly a friend) trying to keep him alive.
What makes this piece special to me is the author's gentle but effective reminder of Harry's youth and inexperience. Just in case we followed the wizarding fashion and acclaimed him a hero.
Morrighan

PS: I'm sure there will come a time for ‘The Battle of Wills’ :). Patience, patience...