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

Now or Never

Now or Never by QueenB23

Summary: “Scorpius Malfoy, who was a Slytherin and a pureblood.  Who, even worse, was the son of Draco Malfoy, a man that her parents barely tolerated when they saw each other in public.” Novel Length Work in Progress, 94,000 Words (and counting).

Why You Should Care: Queen B does not go the predictable route here, spending thousands upon thousands of words in the long slow build up that at long last comes to fruition as Rose and Scorpius inevitably realize their feelings for each other.  Instead, she brings us in minutes before they come together and writes us a story that is equal parts about the now or never nature of teenage love and the complexities of loving across the Romeo-and-Juliet lines of family history and hostility.  Rose and Scorpius are fantastically realized, both as lovable and fallible as real people, and Queen B has given equal consideration to her supporting cast of youngsters and adults alike; parents Hermione and Ron are particularly wonderfully crafted, and their interaction with their daughter on the issue of the Malfoys is true to their character, personalities, and history.  A hopelessly romantic and carefully realistic portrayal of what Scorpius/Rose might really be like, and a unashamed exploration of the charming angst and desperation of teenage love.

Why You Might Not Care: I have hesitated so long in reccing this because it’s a work in progress, and I generally don’t rec unfinished works.  That is more a guideline than a hard and fast rule, however, and I feel this fic is well worth following.  At times, this fic seems to get lost in the sometimes too-passionate day-to-day comings and goings of Rose and Scorpius, but isn’t that exactly what teenage love is all about, really?  Love at sixteen and seventeen has always been that sort of I didn’t see you yesterday and it was just terrible, how did I ever endure it kind of thing, and so the silliness that frequently irks me also delights me because of its honesty.  Heads up for scenes with NC-17 content peppered throughout, starting somewhere around the ninthish chapter.

Thanks to:  So many people who rec’d this to me several times over, including most of the UR.org Roomies, especially Erin and Liz.

Teddy Lupin and the Forest Guard

Teddy Lupin and the Forest Guard by Fernwithy

Summary: This story follows Teddy Lupin through his first year at Hogwarts. Novel Length, over 100,000 Words.

Guest Rec’d By: Auds

Why You Should Care: Fernwithy writes an amazing Teddy, one who seems age appropriate and reminiscent of an 11-year-old Harry Potter, yet without feeling like a total copy of JKR’s work. The new characters she introduces seem like they always existed in this universe and were just waiting to be introduced by her. The relationships between the characters are all so rich and carefully thought-out that it makes for a touching and emotional story. Humor is also nicely done in this story, as is drama — but without it ever moving into slapstick or angst.

Why You Might Not Care: Well, perhaps you’re bored with Teddy or you don’t have room in your head for another amazing Teddy characterization. Or perhaps the format of the chapters and all the back-clicking you’ll have to do will turn you off of it. Don’t let those two things keep you from experiencing this masterpiece, though — it’s fantastic.

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

A 12-Step Program

A 12-Step Program by FalseEyelashes

Summary: 12 steps. 12 steps, and you can cure alcoholism, sex addiction, a love of coke, an uncontrollable rage or that hatred within yourself. 12 steps and you can dance in reverse, fall apart and watch the carefully constructed fabric of your life unravel. And in 12 steps, two people can foolishly fall in love.  Novel-Length (almost), 39,019 Words.

Why You Should Care: This is a stirred and physicologically colourful look at love, lust, and the difference (or sometimes lack thereof) between the two.  The characterisations of Lily and Remus are multifaceted and startlingly (almost shockingly) real — even bordering on gritty — and what strikes me most is how appropriate for their age this emotional opera is.  The writing is stylized and almost exclusively narrative, slipping into and reaching most of Lily’s conscious and unconscious thoughts.  In some ways, this is an angsty fic about angst.

Why You Might Not Care: This fic could be seen by some to be overindulgent, and in some ways I might agree, except I remember what it was like to be in my own head at 18 and think that maybe a little of that is part of the point, really.  It’s both fascinating and tedious; in some places it digs so deep it starts going in circles.

Seven Things That Didn’t Happen On Valentine’s Day At Hogwarts, Or Maybe They Did

Seven Things That Didn’t Happen On Valentine’s Day At Hogwarts, Or Maybe They Did by Pru

Summary: “At seven thirty-six AM on February fourteenth, the giant squid climbed out of the Hogwarts lake, dragged itself in front of a nondescript part of the castle, and began to sing “Daisy”. Before the encore performance and right after a glorious vibrato finale, the squid dedicated the song to Severus Snape, who had appeared at one of the nondescript windows at twenty minutes ’till eight.” Valentine’s Day over seven years at Hogwarts. Humour/Romance, 25,256 Words.

Why You Should Care: This is so funny — and so Marauder. Of course they would have prank wars on Valentine’s Day. As ridiculous as it gets — trust me, the summary is only the start of things — you never stop believing that it could have happened. It’s equal parts romance and humour, with just a little bit of angst towards the end to keep the saccharine from becoming overwhelming. A perfect fic for today.

Why You Might Not Care: Some of the formatting is a bit off, but that’s a minor irritation. One of the seven sections runs quite longer than the rest, but it never stops being amusing. Also, this is quite decidedly Remus/Sirius, and though about half of the fic focuses on the actions of all four Marauders, the ship does take over at the end. If you’re not interested, don’t read it, but I highly recommend that you do; I love this fic.

If I’m A Fool For You

If I’m A Fool For You by Esinde Nayrall

Summary: On New Year’s Eve, Remus Lupin makes a promise to Sirius Black. Five days later, Remus Lupin makes a promise to himself. If he keeps them both, it will be the hardest thing he’s ever done. Romance, 84, 000 Words.

Why You Should Care: It’s hard to write Remus/Sirius originally: it’s all been done before, but this fic feels fresh. The author has very clear characterisations of Remus and Sirius and they’re quite out of the norm, and yet they fit perfectly with the adults we know they will grow into. But this fic is more than heartbreaking (which it is, by the way. There’s a whole load of angst. I cried. I never cry at fic.). James and Peter are also really well characterised; these feel like real people and the way they react to different situations is also very real. Not to be missed.

Why You Might Not Care: There’s slash. Lots of slash. Some NC-17 slash. Quite a bit of NC-17 slash, actually. And also, angst that makes you want to die, just to stop it. And a rubbish attempt at using the Black Family Tree. As in, Sirius’ mother is Cassiopeia and his uncle Alphard is dating a guy called Marius. But yes. Read this fic, it’s fabulous.

Up All Night

Up All Night by Gilpin and Mrs. Tater

Summary: The night before Harry’s hearing in OotP and, for Remus and Tonks, it really was asking for trouble to go out like this. Risky and unprofessional. In fact, anything might happen… Romantic Comedy, 51,093 Words.

Why You Should Care: Because I love stories like this, that take a brief and completely perfunctory exchange and give it a backstory and a different sort of weight. Now, every time I read the beginning of Chapter Seven of OotP, I’m going to remember this story and smile. The characters are well constructed, and the dialogue is spot on in every scene. Remus and Tonks shine as real people tripping their way across the muddled waters of any friendship-turned-romance, and the bit characters — Sirius in particular — have not underperformed, either. It’s also a great example of a well done co-authored story: the authors have melded their styles and ideas so well that it really only seems like one of them wrote it. And, you know, because I think it’s been a little while since I’ve recced a Remus/Tonks, and that just won’t do.

Why You Might Not Care: Remus/Tonks, for those who prefer Remus shipped with someone else. Some might say it’s a tad anti-climactic (and they’re not necessarily wrong) what with the addition of the last chapter, which stretches out the ending a bit more than was perhaps necessary, but for me it’s a minor quibble.

The Diggory Papers

The Diggory Papers by MachiavelliJr

Summary: Cedric Diggory was nobody’s hero, nobody’s true love and didn’t die in Little Hangleton. GoF and beyond in the words of Cedric Diggory, coward, cheat and lecher. Work in Progess, 48,836 Words.

Why You Should Care: There are lots of humourous fics. Some of them are even funny, with cute quips, and romantic entanglements and slapstick moments. But this fic is different. This fic is witty, it’s an educated kind of humour, a very British type of satire. The concept is wonderful: a truly teenage Cedric Diggory, lechorous, debauched, mind only ever on One Thing. It’s immediately obvious, as is the case, that this was written by a real teenage boy who went to a real public boarding school. Outstanding, noteworthy.

Why You Might Not Care: You’ve got to want to read this fic, because the structuring is such that there are lots of long chunks of text and the laugh-out-loud hilarity hidden within. But seriously, if you like British humour, other humour, new characterisations or just damn good fic, take a look.

Sin of Lycaos

Sin of Lycaos by D.M.P.

Summary: Often in life, situations occur that are entirely out of one’s control. During the Goblet of Fire, Remus Lupin commits a crime that leads to questions he had never encountered before. Was this incident fate or poor judgment? How can he live with the consequences of his actions? Is there a way can he escape the prejudiced wrath of the Ministry? He must struggle to discover an answer because, for the very first time he finds himself branded a criminal… and a father. Novel Length, 142,670 Words.

Why You Should Care: This was written a very long time ago, back when GoF was the most recent canon and all we knew of Remus was what we’d been given in PoA. This is a masterful and very original look at what the life of a werewolf might have been like, and what Remus’ life in particular might have been like outside of teaching at Hogwarts. It’s filled with delightfully canon and original characters, including a sweet and endearing young girl named Mary. This has quite obviously been made AU by virtue of the release of the rest of the series and it’s been quite a long time since I’ve read it, but it still stands as one of my favorites. Sure to interest Remus fans and novel-length fic fans.

Why You Might Not Care: Remus is almost the only canon character in this one folks, and a lot of people will be turned away by the large cast of main and supporting original characters, but I feel all of them have been expertly created by a very talented author, and those who stick it out will be rewarded with a worthwhile and very original story.

The Moon-Cursers

The Moon Cursers by Grace_has_Victory (Part I: Moons of Deceit, Part II: Crown of the North, Part III: The Werewolf’s Bride, Part IV: The Banesbrewer)

Summary: Beginning just after the first fall of Voldemort, this follows the life of Remus Lupin and Ariadne MacDougal as they battle love, lycanthropy, abuse of human rights and living in the most prejudiced of societies. Four-part Series, over 330,000 words.

Why You Should Care: Because if this woman weren’t a psychology teacher she could be an author. Very much like JKR herself, Grave_has_Victory is a master of storytelling. This four-part story (entirely fitting with canon) is brimful of twists and suspense; you never fail to be surprised. The characters, particularly Ariadne herself, are multifaceted and interesting, and the whole tale has a strong feeling of reality. There’s a little humour, and it keeps the story light, as does the hint of romance. The writing may not be flowery, but it’s substantial and at times bittersweet, and much of the dialogue is incredibly realistic. This fic is like reading a really, really good book. This series is probably my favourite piece of fanfiction ever. Incredible.

Why You Might Not Care: If you don’t like stories about what-Remus-did-in-the-eighties, then this might be something to avoid. And if you like your emotions served up on a plate: pure angst, or pure fluff. But, honestly, I can’t believe that anyone could regret checking these out. If you like stories, if you like books, if you like reading, then these are for you. Go, my children. Read and enjoy.

Solace

Solace by SecretLily

Summary: Lily Evans remained shadowed and distant from the world she loved so dearly. Control was Michael’s weakness; temptation hers. Yet, when James Potter enters her life, without so much as a warning or brief hesitation, Lily finds truth. For James Potter refused to give up on her. Work In Progress, 23,613 words.

Why You Should Care: This fic isn’t unique in its subject matter. There are dozens of fics where Lily’s dating a guy who totally doesn’t deserve her and treats her badly. But they don’t do this well. What I love about this fic is its subtlety. This fic doesn’t go straight in with domestic violence, but plays on the surface of emotional possession, meaning that (unusally, for this genre) Lily isn’t OOC: she’s soft and passionate and interesting, and SecretLily manages to show her as a supressed character, a masterstroke in my book. Not only that, but stylistically this fic is beautiful and captures moments with soft, unexpected imagery.

Why You Might Not Care: It’s true. This is another fic where Lily’s dating a total arsehole. And it’s incredibly angsty; I reckon this fic could do with a bit of humour to lighten the tone, but the characterization alone should be enough of a draw to read it.

Disaster: See Also, Remus J. Lupin, Lovelife Of

Disaster: See Also, Remus J. Lupin, Lovelife Of by Lady Bracknell

Summary: Remus claims that his lovelife has always been a disaster. He’s had vases thrown at him, made girls cry in public and done very reckless things in broom cupboards. Assorted Romance, Novel Length, 91,052 Words.

Why You Should Care: HaHA! Anything that starts out with Remus getting dumped via a passed note in the library has got to be promising. This follows the ups, downs, tos, fros, and constant trending toward complete misadventure that is Remus Lupin’s interaction with women. From his very first girlfriend through to meeting Tonks with whom he will finally take the plunge, Remus almost never plays the maudlin, noble hero we’ve come to expect of his fanon counterpart. Rather, he’s right in there looking for love, but somehow managing to get swept up in all the wrong ways with all the wrong girls more often then not. It’s delightful, and very real. This is slanted toward humor, though in moments it is as much an apt character study of Remus as any shorter, introspective oneshot might have been. All of the original characters have been created with care, and none of them slip sideways into Mary Sueism, which is a phenomenal feat all on its own. Thoroughly, completely enjoyable.

Why You Might Not Care: If you’re in this only for the eventual Remus/Tonks, then you might be a little disappointed at how little of their relationship this fic gets into. This is about the (very lengthy and often bumpy) road of one man looking for love, and how there is rarely just one person for any of us. This is the journey Remus takes to Tonks, and the fiction rightly ends when they have finally stumbled into each other.

Awards: 2008 Hourglass Award, Best Het Romance — First Place; September 2007 Gold Star Award for Excellence in Harry Potter Fanfiction.

Thanks To: Christina, for suggesting this most excellent author.

Lamentations of a Starry Eyed Twit

Lamentations of a Starry Eyed Twit by She’s a Star

Summary: Auriga Sinistra’s not so eventful diary filled with sarcasm, self pity, and assorted proclamations of loathing for a certain Potions professor. Novel Length, Humour, 96,620 Words.

Why You Should Care: Because this author has created some pretty priceless situational comedy, and a wholly wonderful comedic character in Auriga Sinistra. As I’ve read through this, I have never ceased to be delighted by the hijinks and tomfoolery of the Hogwarts staff, both canon and original. Sinistra is the magical version of Bridget Jones, and while Snape might not be quite the equivalent of Mr. Darcy, the combination does make for some interesting and highly entertaining anecdotal material. Sinistra is well created and incurably ridiculous in that way most people are, and all females that have struggled with their own doomed love-lives will feel a certain kinship with her. Snape by and large remains canon, though the central conceit of this piece is that he might possibly harbor some hidden affection for Sinistra, though perhaps quite against his will. Their verbal sparring is worth the price of admission, and while Auriga occasionally comes out on top, by and large she fumbles in the face of Snape’s superior cutting wit and is reduced to something awkwardly akin to “…so’s your face!” I have stolen more quotes from this fic for my notebook collection than any other fanfiction, and that’s got to count for something.

Why You Might Not Care:  It’s still a work in progress, and until quite recently I thought it to be abandoned, though Deathly Hallows seems to have spurned the author to write a new chapter or two.  This fic occasionally tries to be something more meaningful than a humourous escapade, and those tend to be its weakest moments; this fic is at its best when Sinistra is throwing coffee mugs at Snape and purchasing Quirrell’s iguana collars for the staff Christmas gift exchange.  Snape is both completely Snape and… completely  not.  Sometimes the switches are a little too jarring, but if you’re not there for the comedy, then you’re not there for the right reasons.  This author’s strength is very clearly the setting up and writing of the funny.

Of A Sort

Of A Sort by FernWithy

Summary: A series of stories about the experience all Hogwarts students share: being Sorted into their houses on their first day at school. Novel Length (abandoned), 49,388 Words.

Why You Should Care: FernWithy says in her notes that she considers this idea of hers woefully overused, but I confess I have never read a compilation like this, so for me it’s quite original. It deals a little with sorting and a lot with how the first day of school can very much affect the rest of your educational life. The seemingly benign choices made on the Hogwarts Express have lasting repercussions, some of which we’ve seen even in canon.

Why You Might Not Care: This appears to have been abandoned as she began to attempt the sorting of the Trio Era characters, but I have rec’d it for the strength of the things I think are more valuable — that is to say, the fact that she’s already tackled the characters we haven’t seen being sorted. It’s been about a year and a half since an update, and I sort of wish she’d just ended it with the sorting of Tonks instead of trying to slog onwards. We’ve already seen Harry’s generation and their sorting, so I feel it’s unnecessary. Parts have since been made AU by new canon factoids offered by JKR, but it still stands quite well.

The Shoebox Project

The Shoebox Project by Dorkorific and LadyJaida

NOTE: The Shoebox Project LJ community has been hacked. The link that purportedly points to a “new” archive actually points to a keystroke-logging virus. Until the community has been restored, I’ve pointed the link to a place where you can download Shoebox chapters in PDF format.

Summary: A multi-media Remus/Sirius extravaganze, with plenty of James, Lily and Peter thrown in to make things extra-fun. Novel Length, Probably over 100,000 Words.

Why You Should Care: This is… this is the Remus/Sirius fanfic, people. There is no other better, no other more in depth, and no other that is more realistic. If it was canon, this is how it would have been. Dorkorific and LadyJaida never forget that these are teenagers in the 70s to whom the idea of homosexuality is not an entirely comfortable one, and the coming together of Remus and Sirius is achingly slow; at some places, they almost move backwards. But every section of this fic is so fantastically well written — like a huge collection of smaller stories that link together — that it probably wouldn’t matter if Remus and Sirius never figured it out, because there are plenty of other reasons to stay and read this. It is romantic, completely comical, but 100% real and I adore it. The characters are all fantastically written, and each has their own distinctive personality (which is often a difficult thing to find in Marauder fics) and I love it. Love, love, love it. There are notes between friends, diary entires, and dozens of fantastically drawn “photos” of the golden age of the Marauders. I love it.

Why You Might Not Care: It’s addictive. When you start, it’s very difficult not to stop. It’s also still a work in progress, and sometimes there are significant lags in between updates. But it the end it is all worth it, because this is easily one of the top five Marauder fics I have ever read. If you are one of the very, very few people who hasn’t already found this, make some time and get over there and read it for God sakes, in case the internet collapses in on itself and The Shoebox Project disappears forever. Go. NOW.

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

Redeeming Time

Redeeming Time by Minx (Thanks to gomita23 for the new link!)

Summary: In the year after Sirius plays his trick on Snape, James and his friends confront changes in themselves, in their relationships, and in those around them. Novel Length, Oneshot, 45,725 Words.

Why You Should Care: Another author tackles the impossible task of the Marauders during their last couple of years at school. What she does not do is give us every excruciating detail, but rather writes four stories that connect into one larger one. This is most assuredly a Remus/Sirius and a James/Lily, but it’s all told from James’ POV, which is an unusual choice for a slash fic. It makes the slash much more palatable for those of us who don’t usually read it, and what’s really well done is that James has to do some mental adjustments as he finds out the truth about Sirius, and later Remus, which is what any young man would have to do when confronted about this by two of his best friends. James has trouble adjusting, and while it might not be as much as real life, it is there where usual slash just sort of bypasses the awkwardness of the situation without a word. Also, I adore James’ parents in this fic, and for the rest of my life I will always believe that his mother was a painter and had just such a room full of paintings of James, canon be damned.

Why You Might Not Care: The slash is all above board, and while it only just scrapes the delicate chastity of a kiss, it’s most definitely there and dominates the story. The boys seem a little too young throughout, like fourteen or fifteen year-old versions of themselves instead of sixteen and seventeen, and Peter is conspicuously and often absent, but in the end I enjoyed it despite all that, so good on Minx. Me and slash don’t typically get along so well.

After the End

After The End by Arabella and Zsenya

Summary: It’s the summer after seventh year, and Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and the rest of the wizarding world must learn to live without fear. Over 400,000 Words.

Why You Should Care: This is one of those monumental novel-length pieces written by two well known and talented Harry Potter fan fiction writers. It was written between GoF and OotP, so by now it is — like many excellent stories written in that time period — firmly AU. The most noticeable discrepancy is that Sirius Black survives the war and emerges from it a free man cleared of all charges. I put off reading this for a long time, intimidated by the length of it, but I’m glad I finally dug into it. The characters are quite well done — Ron in particular seems accurate to me, and I find he’s one of the ones who’s difficult to find written well. The plot is considerable and well constructed, and this piece never really seems to amble or take too long. It may be difficult to believe, but almost all of the over 400,000 words are well placed. It was almost always a joy to read.

Why You Might Not Care: Ginny is edging into Mary Sue territory, which is my only real serious squabble with this fic. Harry occasionally gets a little excessively Harry (if you know what I mean) but I suppose there’s ample reason for him to be an emotional twat once in a while when you consider what he went through (and what he continues to go through at times) in this fic. Some people might take issue with Draco Malfoy’s character here, but I found him quite spot on — he’s more cuttingly canon than fanon. His dialogue, in places, is particularly well done. This is not a Draco Redeems himself sort of story; he stays decidedly ass-holeish through to the end, though there are brief moments of real pity for a boy who lost everything and only knows how to keep fighting. He’s real, but unrepentant, and perhaps not entirely the coward he’s been made to be in canon.

Awards: 2007 Hourglass Award, Novel-Length – Third Place.

Brave New World

Brave New World by Theatresm

Summary: The tale of the professor of Muggle Studies, as she raises her troubled nephew and comes to terms with her job, her colleagues, and the difficulties inherent in being a Muggle teacher at a magical school. Trilogy, Novel Length, approx. 150,000 Words.

Why You Should Care: This is the other of two major Snape/OC Trilogies that I think any self respecting Snape fan would need to read before really committing to the character. The narrative is in first person, and Miranda Hunter hardly ever so much as whispers the name “Mary Sue”; her relationship with Snape takes as much time to develop into fruition as a relationship with Snape ought, spreading from mutual dislike to mutual grudging respect and then like and then eventually beyond that as well. As for Snape, he never trips away from canon, and even in his softest moments he is as much the cruel bastard as we could hope for, but Miranda has been cunningly crafted to match him well. Furthar, one of the most compelling relationships in the story is that between Miranda and her young nephew, Ian; a young boy with his own journey to make. Every canon character in this piece is spot on, and every original character feels as though they might just be canon. The prose is dynamic, and rolling with style. This is not how JKR would have written it, and yet it honours the intent. A landmark piece, written before the release of OotP.

Why You Might Not Care: Oh boy. Do not venture here if you harbour any thoughts that Snape is not the prick he seems to be, because here the author never tries to dull his edge which — to the true canon Snape fan — will only make you want more. This is a man that was a Death Eater willingly, and perhaps in moments of weakness longs to be again. In places, it’s a story about a dead man trying to move forward and being just as startled as anyone to find there may be a part of him alive yet. Also, this fiction was written before OotP came out, so while it once fit canon perfectly, it now sits firmly in an AU category.

Awards: Round Four Multifaceted Awards, Best Original Character – Runner Up.