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: 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

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

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

Morrighan

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

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

Maryx

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

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

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

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

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

Maryx

</b></a></b></a>

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

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

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

Title: Canvas Kissing Fool
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

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

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

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

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

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.

Title: A Better Offer and The Unhappiest Potions Master on Earth
Author: Diana Williams
Category: Snarry
Rating: NC-17
Summary: When life at Hogwarts becomes unbearable, Severus Snape considers a change of chareers.
and
Severus Snape and the Happiest Place on Earth? What's wrong with this picture? Everything!

Who has never heard of Diana Williams? Hands up! *no fingers to be seen* I thought so. Who has never read any of her stories? *counts* One, two, three,... more than I had thought. Not even 'A Convenient Marriage' or 'The Courtship of Harry Potter'? May I ask why? *descents Snape-like on frightened SCHAL-lurker* So you are actually new to Snarry and you had so many good things about SCHAL, that came here and you like so well that you decided this would become your favourite lurk-out? *booms* You are lying! *calmer voice* But as it was a nice lie, you'll be forgiven. *glances around* And you, what about you? You are not of age yet? Really? And you are actually here in this dark of the Fandom instead of swooning over Tom Felton? Good Girl! You have the right priorities! *looks for more victims* You honestly want to tell me that you came to this site to read the chocolate recs? You do not care for Snarry at all? *grins menacingly* DETENTION! One thing, if you lie, then please try to be a bit more Slytherin.
So the rest of you has heard about Diana Williams and has read at least one or two of her fics? *rustling in the background when someone tries to sneak out*. They are good, aren't they? Well written, well plotted, good characterisations, believable character development and some sex. What else would one want?
Today I want take you to some of her older fics, pre-OotP even: 'A Better Offer' and its sequel 'The Unhappiest Potions Master on Earth'. They are well written, good plot and all that stuff, but above all they are both immensely funny. Ill-tempered Snape going to happy Disney World, sharing a suite with a Disney-happy Dumbledore who enjoys his time far too much. Hilarious.

Maryx

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: 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

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

Before reading "The Profile," my love for Barb knew very few bounds.  She shattered any that happened to exist with this, the first truely excellent post-HBP Snarry piece.  I loved Harry's post-war profession, that of a psychological profiler for law enforcement and I loved even more how Harry cheats in his profession.  I loved the progression of the story and the way she repeats themes throughout the story.  Wonderful, wonderful story.

Nessi

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

This story very subtly breaks your heart.  The snarking back and forth at the beginning is wonderful and I love the gradual shift in the tone.  This could almost be considered pre-slash and as it's from Sam Vimes, I rather like to think that it is.  Very nice one-shot.
-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.

Title: Anybody Else
Author: dementordelta
Categoryy: Snarry
Rating: NC-17
Summary: None given.

Notice: Password required.

I feel really weird recommending another story written by Dementor Delta, but I'm afraid this is not something that can be avoided ;).
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 

 

I loved this story. Delta once again proves that she is a master of Snarry. I enjoyed how the title repeated throughout the story in a clever way. I also really liked the progression of the relationship between Harry and Severus. I've found that by and large I enjoy a slow build-up and this had it. One of the major parts of both character development and the development of the relationship is left a mystery for quite a while, making the revelation that much more powerful. Their first kiss was chill-inducing and I have to say that the sex was some of the hottest that Delta has written. Delta also utilizes Parseltongue here in a very interesting way, which is always fun (especially with Delta). In all, a wonderful story that's leaves one feeling quite satisfied.
-Nessi

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

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

Title: So Lonely Without Me
Author: Calligraphy (caligryphy)
Category: Snarry
Rating: R - NC-17
Summary: Two men, two rooms. Takes place several years in the future, during the war.

It's 1 a.m., I've just finished reading this piece of art and I'm still fighting for breath.
Exquisite. Mesmerizing. Stunning. Deliciously slow-paced and So. Damned. Perfect.

Some fragments left me grinning:
“…I hate Sirius for dying. I hate him for promising me something and then yanking it out of reach.”
“…I hate him too.”
“…”
“What?”.

Some disillusioned:
“You’re still alive because they caught you in time.” [...] Snape had heard all the rumors, the explanations. ‘Stress,’ Minerva had said. ‘Shock,’ Lupin had said. ‘Yes, it is unfortunate. Lemon drop?’ Dumbledore had offered.

Some made my heart pound like mad:
“I can’t break the wards,” he chokes out. “That absolute bastard. I can’t break the wards.”

And others shattered it into pieces:
"I love you".

Darkness of the war, two people, claustrophobic room, disturbing isolation, fear, desperation, a touch of comfort and outstanding humour. (Yes, humour!)
I think I can safely say that I've just read one of the best Snarry fics in months.
Morrighan

There isn't much more to say that Morrighan didn't already say, except that I adore So Lonely Without Me. I love that it leaves a little bit of mystery regarding the circumstances of them being locked in together, though there are definite hints.   The manner by which Voldemort was defeated was rather unique in several ways and very excellently carried out.  I loved the desperation and their attempts to get out, both Harry's and Severus'.  Most of all, I loved the end when Harry escapes from his minders and goes to Severus.  Wonderful story that has made its way into my top Snarry favorites list.

Nessi


guest-starring: ac1d6urn

When it comes to So Lonely, words simply fail me. I’ll just say that it is everything I could expect from an HP/SS story.
It’s funny, it’s poignant, it’s real. It’s absolutely perfect. Everything that can be said about it was already said by other reviewers, much more articulate than I, long ago. If you haven’t heard about this gem by now, what are you doing here? Read!