Stealing Harry

Stealing Harry by Copperbadge

Summary: “Harry didn’t see why sharing a street with strange Mr. Black should mean he couldn’t go into the bookshop. After all, nobody actually knew that he owned it, and he had it on good authority that the shop itself was mostly run by another man named Moony.” Novel Length, Alternate Universe, Approx. 85,000 Words.

Why You Should Care: Alternate Universes are fun. They’re fun to write and they’re fun to read, and Stealing Harry by Copperbadge is no different. It’s a well paced, fully developed and well thought-out universe that branches off canon without feeling too contrived. In addition, it features a complex and interesting Remus/Sirius that feels like a fresh and original take on an over-written pairing. Their characters are familiar yet different, as all well constructed AU characters are, and while this version of Sirius may feel too settled for some people’s tastes, there is something wonderful endearing about him as he navigates deeper into the unknown territory of this new romantic relationship.

Why You Might Not Care: I’m not thrilled with the characterisation of eight (and a half) year-old Harry in this fic. Most of the time he comes off as quite a but younger than that, except occasionally when he comes across as quite a bit older; never once in this fic did the dialogue given to him sound like it might actually have come from an eight year-old boy, or at least not any eight year-old boy I’ve ever known. Snape’s character is likewise somewhat distanced from the Snape we know from the books, but considering this was written in 2005 without some of the canon knowledge we have today, I think overall the AU nature of this fic justifies the characterisation enough to be going on with. Be mindful of a handful of NC-17 scenes throughout the latter half of this fic that are not at all worksafe.

Awards: 2008 Hourglass Award, Best AU Fic — Third Place

A Little More Time

A Little More Time by Jess Pallas

Summary: Was it possible to save two lives without altering history? Was it possible to give them a future twenty years after they had supposedly died? Teddy Lupin thought so…. Novel Length, 120,029 Words.

Why You Should Care: This, I suppose, technically classifies itself as AU, though to be fair there’s actually nothing in it that contradicts the canon of the books — that is, after all, rather the whole point. This is one of the only Remus-and-Tonks-didn’t-die fictions I’ve ever read, and it is by far my favorite. The characters are well realized and the plot is engaging — the young man Teddy Lupin has been especially lovingly crafted to inherit pieces of both his father and his mother. Remus and Tonk’s relationship has received the same kind of attention, and in a lot of places I forgot that it wasn’t JKR I was reading.

Why You Might Not Care: NoblePrat!Remus ahoy! I love him and feel canon justifies him, but some people might not agree. And if NoblePrat!Remus bothers you, there’s a good chance NoblePrat!Teddy will too….

Awards: 2008 Hourglass Award, Best AU Fic — Second Place

Haggis From Algernon

Haggic From Algernon by Vea and GhostOfBambi

Summary: The fic about nothing. Humour, 101,594 Words.

Why You Should Care: Because it’s funny, and there’s not enough funny left in this damned fandom. Part-crack, part-romance, part-cat!worship, this fic is two talented comic authors playing with Lily, James and the eponymous Algernon to whom I give my heart.

Why You Might Not Care: It’s almost crack, and, hard as they try, there’s no poignancy or worthiness. Not drink-safe.

Awards: 2008 Hourglass Award, Best Comedy Fic — Second Place

Nothing a Good Imperius Wouldn’t Solve

Nothing a Good Imperius Wouldn’t Solve by Afterthree

Summary: “Snape has nearly gotten used to dealing with the darkness creeping sullenly through the back of his head.” The tempting of Severus Snape. Oneshot, 1,562 Words.

Why You Should Care: Anything I put here will look pretty arrogant, eh? Rec’d in a couple of other places and the winner of an Hourglass Award, so I think it’s above board to put it up here.

Why You Might Not Care: Have shamelessly rec’d my own work, and you may all boo and hiss at your leisure.

Awards: 2008 Hourglass Award, Best Angst Fic — Second Place

The Rules of Being a Godson

The Rules of Being a Godson by Copperbadge

Summary: Teddy Lupin never gets too close or feels too much; his godfather’s son never does anything else. Drama/Romance, 12,329 Words.

Why You Should Care: Whether you know him as Sam the Storyteller, SamVimes,or Copperbadge, there is no denying that this author is gold. Previously recced on Coffee and Chocolate for his humour masterpiece, Sublimation and the Snitch, he is perhaps better known for his excellent slash romances, and this piece does not disappoint. Action! Drama! Longing! All in Copperbadge’s wonderfully straightforward style. This is excellent, and the reason I ship Teddy/James about the same as Teddy/Victoire.

Why You Might Not Care: Beware, there are kissing boys in this fic. Also, it was written approximately twenty-four hours after the release of Deathly Hallows, and as such, might not adhere to all interview canon, though nothing leapt out at me during my re-read.

Awards: 2008 Hourglass Award, Best Slash Romance — First Place

Breathe Me

Breathe Me by Andromeda311

Summary: “It’s like the sword of Damocles, nothing but a thin string between this and free fall. Nothing but a thread between safety and-” Romance, 15,307 Words.

Why You Should Care: Andromeda/Ted has become more common, and many of this rec site’s readers have some incarnation of the story laid out in A Keen Observer set as their personal canon — I am one of those, but this incarnation fascinated me. It’s from Ted’s point of view, which I have not seen elsewhere and is such a great idea. Andromeda311’s longer writing is just as good as her lyrical one-shots, with a certain beauty to the storytelling and hilarity in Ted’s internal musings. It’s sweet at times, it’s angsty at times… I cannot describe how good I think this is.

Why You Might Not Care: There is no reason. Breathe Me is an excellent story and you should start reading… now.

Awards: 2008 Hourglass Award, Admins’ Choice — Het Romance

Charmbreaker

Charmbreaker by Orange_Crushed

Summary: They smile and tell him that he’s grown, as if this were a real reunion; which is funny because he feels that he’s been shrinking, and that he won’t stop until he has reduced himself to nothingness, like a star. Oneshot, 6,571 Words.

Why You Should Care: Because everyone has said it at least once — “All Marauder stories are the same these days.” Well, not this one. Using the idea that Remus was made to leave Hogwarts after the Prank, Orange_Crushed spins a wonderful alternate reality. You really feel the wasted years slip by as Remus submerges himself into another life, not so much the Muggle world, but a strange balance as he carves his own niche. This story progresses wonderfully, and the events are such that I wouldn’t mind seeing them fleshing out into a chaptered fic. All of the supporting characters just feel right, and Remus himself is lovely. Lastly, and I hate to say it, things almost turn out better this way, for everyone involved; there is so much potential in the ending (and I love the phrasing in the final lines, so wonderful).

Why You Might Not Care: AU is just simply not some people’s cup of tea, and I can respect that — however, I do recommend that you look past your preferences and give it a try. It really is a jewel of a piece. Also, I think Remus/Sirius is implied here, but anything that alludes to it can be taken as a close friendship. It’s very slight.

Awards: 2008 Hourglass Award, Best AU Fic — First Place

Valedictory

Valedictory by Thirty2Flavors

Summary: It is the night before the Fidelius Charm is performed, and Lily cannot shake the feeling that this will be the last time she ever sees Sirius Black. Oneshot, 2,091 Words.

Why You Should Care: This piece broke my heart when I first read it. You might think, alright, the last time James and Lily will ever see Sirius — okay, not that original, moving on. But no, Thirty2Flavors dives right in and presents the scene with such raw emotion that I can guarantee that you have never seen it like this before. I rarely cry at fanfiction, but tears were streaming down my face by the end of this one. Lovely, and heartbreaking, and so real. Thirty2Flavors, once again, has set my personal canon.

Why You Might Not Care: Sharp, piercing angst. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Also, like I said, you might have already imagined or read about this scene — but really, it’s so worth reading, even if you think you’ve seen it all before. (Maybe you’re tired of reading Thirty2Flavor’s fics, too, but I have no sympathy for you there, because you’d have to be mad not to love her work.)

Awards: 2007 Hourglass, Best Oneshot — Second Place.

That Other Fellow

That Other Fellow by Sciathan_File

Summary: “Moreover, now every time he so much as saw that portrait move an eyebrow, he thought it only presaged some new doom.” Oneshot, 3,532 Words.

Why You Should Care: Not that anyone really needs a reason to read something by Sciathan File except that it was written by Sciathan File, but if you insist…. It’s a stunningly good fic on the minor-est of minor characters, the nameless Other Minister, highlighting his, and by extension the rest of the Muggle world’s, experience in the war they know nothing about. This is one of those stories where I feel JKR’s intent seeping in through every word, and in places Sciathan File echos her style perfectly, too.

Why You Might Not Care: This tune is played through the eyes of the Muggle Prime Minister, whose HP fan club consists of a motley-looking elderly gentleman eating crisps and wearing a lapel pin. But take heart– gen-ficcers will love this, too.

Awards: 2008 Hourglass Award, Admins’ Choice — Gen (tied)

Slaughter Dew

Slaughter Dew by Andromeda311

Summary: “The first time it happens, he is fourteen. Sitting at the Gryffindor table, Peter thinks of murder.” Peter and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Oneshot, 1,507 Words.

Why You Should Care: When I read this fic, it gave me chills. While I’m nearly certain it’s not the canon reason for Peter’s betrayal, it’s so well done that I was left with shivers and the question what if? It’s a realistic portrayal of the disorder, and Peter’s gradual shift in loyalty, with his constant justification, is both sad and haunting.

Why You Might Not Care: This is dark, and more than a little creepy; it’s even harder to take when you think of the people who really deal with this in their everyday lives. Don’t read it if you can’t handle it.

Awards: 2008 Hourglass Award, Best Angst Fic — Third Place

Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave

Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave by Andromeda311

Summary: Thirteen endings to thirteen stories. Drabble Collection, 1,600 Words.

Why You Should Care: 100 word drabbles, when done as well as these are, require nothing more to recommend them. To say so much with so little is quite amazing, and Andromeda311 sums up thirteen stories with cut-throat and plain-spoken brevity.

Why You Might Not Care: You might not like 100 word drabbles, I guess.

Awards: 2008 Hourglass Award, Best Drabble/Drabble Collection — Second Place

Map of the Problematique

Map of the Problematique by SullenSiren

Summary: “He’s going to make it a RULE.” Before they went their separate ways, Moony, Padfoot, Prongs, and Wormtail shared a flat. The flat had rules. This is how it went. Drama, 15,406 Words.

Why You Should Care: I feel like I haven’t rec’d a good, general Marauder fic for ages, so here we go: this is an absolutely smashing fic about the Marauders in their few years between Hogwarts and the fall of Voldemort, as accompanied and illuminated by a list of rules on taped-together pieces of parchment. It’s quite an underhanded tragedy, how the war and their work for the Order and Dumbledore slowly tears these four boys apart. We see them when times are still good and when they are as tightly bound together as brothers; then we see them slip away from each other and watch each of them fall by the wayside. The huge gaps of time missed near the end of this fic and the silence it brings with it is just as poignant as the moments SullenSiren does show.

Why You Might Not Care: There’s blatant Remus/Sirius, and it deserves at least an R rating, and maybe an NC-17, for it, so be warned: those who do not like slash will wrinkle their nose. That’s really about it, though.

Awards: 2008 Hourglass Award, Popular Choice — Best Multi-Chaptered Fic; 2008 Hourglass Award, Admins’ Choice — Angst (tied)

Thirteen Steps to the End of the World

Thirteen Steps to the End of the World by Thirty2Flavors

Summary: “The only thing more accurate than incoming enemy fire is incoming friendly fire.” Thirteen steps to the end of Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs. Oneshot, 4,821 Words.

Why You Should Care: Well, Thirty2Flavors for a start. And she’s doing what she does best, which is to say it’s a fic about the Marauders during those moments that make all the difference. There are some fabulous parallels drawn between characters in this fic, and it’s Thirty2Flavor’s ability to dig just a little deeper and find something to show you that you’ve never seen before that keeps us coming back for more every time.

Why You Might Not Care: Perhaps not her strongest piece, by comparison. But well worth the time to read, especially for Marauder fans.

Awards: 2008 Hourglass Award, Best Drama — First Place; 2008 Hourglass Award, Popular Choice — Best Oneshot.

Atonement

Atonement by ChristyCorr

Summary: “Sometimes I think a curse should rest on me—because I love this war.” Oneshot, 3,437 Words.

Why You Should Care: A fabulously revealing character piece about Albus Dumbledore and Grindlewald. It is, perhaps, not quite canon except for the slight chance that it just might be completely canon. Original, with masterfully written dialogue between two kings of manipulation who have their own tangled history to contend with. One of my new favorites.

Why You Might Not Care: Slash pairing undertones, but they’re so under they almost don’t exist. This has more to do with each character as individuals than as any sort of couple. All conversation, but the wonderful kind that’s been carefully sculpted.

Awards: 2008 Hourglass Award, Best Gen Fic — Second Place

Sheer Dumb Luck

Sheer Dumb Luck by WinglessFlight

Summary: “Cowards may die many times before their deaths; the valient never taste of death but one.” She laughs because she’s living on borrowed time. Oneshot, 1,175 Words.

Why You Should Care: The repetition throughout this fic is used keenly and strategically, and I feel at long last that I might actually begin to understand Merope Gaunt. This fic is poetic, but it doesn’t run away with itself too far. It’s supremely focused, which has always been the way straight to my heart when we talk fanfiction.

Why You Might Not Care: The focus is Merope Gaunt. But if y’all like character study fics about Petunia and Rita and Hagrid and Gilderoy, then this is precisely your cup of tea.

Awards: 2008 Hourglass Award, Best Drama — Third Place

A Good Way To Fall

A Good Way To Fall by Lady Altair

Summary: “It’s a good way to fall, he decides as the curse rushes up at him.” Drabbles, 726 Words.

Why You Should Care: Lady Altair presents a series of moments from Alaster Moody’s life that go a long way to explaining how he ended up the way he did, and I admit I’ve fallen a little bit in love with the idea of Kitty Fenwick and this whole scenario. This author has a firm handle on what it takes to write a good drabble, and each is wonderfully simple. She finds the man behind the paranoia in Alaster Moody, and brings us a lovely and developed original character in Kitty Fenwick; the fact that she does it in so few words goes to show the depth of her skill. When Lady Altair gives us the bit about Moody’s leg, it was just perfect. This is one of those stories that I’ll probably absorb into my own version of canon, because I just like it that much.

Why You Might Not Care: Well, you know… Moody’s the central character. I don’t suppose he’s got much of a fan club. There’s some weird indentation that I admit makes my eye twitch, but the content is just fabulous.

Awards: 2008 Hourglass Award, Admins’ Choice — Drabble.

A Correspondence Between Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald

A Correspondence Between Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald by M’lah Sihfay

Summary: As two men try to rebuild we read the letters between 1951 and 1997. Approx. 9,500 Words.

Guest Rec’d By: Christy (ChristyCorr – insofar that it was on her Livejournal and I jacked it and put it here.)

Why You Should Care: I’m not a huge slasher and I’m not a big Albus/Gellert fan at all, but I really like this fic. It’s got these fabulous nuances – epistolary styles in general are tricky because you’ve got to show the character, but it’s not like speech where things are blurted out – in letters everything is weighted and thought through. There are clear characters here and I really like that. The way the two rationalise themselves through the first war, the second war – every moment of weakness and strength and the way that neither can ever stop writing, can ever break away. There’s a theme throughout the fic of being ‘broken’ by events and it’s eloquently and interestingly expressed.

Why You Might Not Care: I want to go through this fic and cut out every slightly graphic moment. They’re few and far between, but they’re there and they’re pointless. But it’s a slash fic, and the slashers need their kicks from somewhere, I guess. Probably rated R for the occasional mention of boysex.

Awards: 2008 Hourglass Award, Admins’ Choice — Slash Romance

The Boy Who Lived

The Boy Who Lived by PigWithHair

Summary: Set many years after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Harry is asked to reflect. Oneshot, 4,962 Words.

Why You Should Care: If it’s a difficult thing for a fanfiction writer to track back a character and write them significantly younger than they are in the source material, then it’s probably even more difficult to extrapolate them far forward in time into old age. Old people aren’t the easiest characters for fanfic writers to wrap their heads around (probably because most of us are under 30 and still quite young ourselves), and in a lot of cases we end up with a character that doesn’t feel old enough. This fic ages Harry and Ginny (and Ron as well) very nicely and very realistically: they are cranky, crotchety, temperamental and nostalgic. They move like seniors, they talk like seniors, and they sound like seniors. Their interaction with the younger generation captures that certain “when I was your age we walked to school in waist deep snow uphill both ways” without leaning too heavily on cliches or abandoning JKR’s original character. This is a character piece on Harry as he reflects on a life lived and the things and the people we take for granted. Superbly good.

Why You Might Not Care: Ginny might be a touch too cranky for some people, but old age makes grumps of us all. Harry’s perfect.

Awards: December 2007 Gold Star Award for Excellence in Harry Potter Fanfiction.

Puzzle Pieces

Puzzle Pieces by Thirty2Flavors

Summary: An anthology of unrelated drabbles. Drabble Collection, 12,222 Words.

Why You Should Care: The most irritating thing a fic writer can label their fic as, according to me, is this ‘anthology of unrelated drabbles’. I have this unbending belief that drabble collections should be about common themes, linked by this shared lack of words. And yet I rate this collection so highly. We all know that Thirty2Flavors is a fantastic writer, and here are just a thousand snippets of her succinct, concise style — no excess, no purple prose. The best ones by far are when she delves into canon, shows a moment in a different light. Each drabble is perfect in its own right and each is incredibly thought-provoking. Wonderful.

Why You Might Not Care: Thirty2Flavors writes drabbles! Really well! Why aren’t you caring!?

Awards: 2008 Hourglass Award, Best Drabble/Drabble Collection — Third Place

Three

Three by ChristyCorr

Summary: “You ponder how you did this to yourself. There’s no one else to blame, but it’s just easier to take out your frustration on Death Eaters, garden gnomes and Alice Longbottom.” Oneshot, 4,568 Words.

Why You Should Care:  I’ve got this secret little addiction to fanfic that fills in some of the particulars of the prophecy, and this is probably one of my favorites.  Second person point-of-view is not the easiest way to write, but Christy pulls it off with aplomb.  Combined with a thoughtful — and not altogether typical — character design of Lily and heavy internal dialogue, this fic is a wonderful study of normal people in crisis, and of the nine month transition a woman goes on to become a mother.  Chock full of little revealing moments and clever asides.

Why You Might Not Care: Buggered if I know.

Awards: 2007 Hourglass Award, Best Drama — First Place.