You might have noticed how quiet this journal has been; an overdose of RL, I'm afraid. I've barely had time to read half the snarry_games stories, and no time to write recs.

I plan a roundup rec post for the Games later, but for tonight, there was one that was so delightful that I need to point it out to my flist. There are those who appreciate perfect period detail among my friends, who might not normally be attracted by the pairing. But they ought to try this one: it's a historian's delight. And a treat for any Snarry fan.


Title: Laws of Magnetic Attraction
Author goseaward
Pairing Snape/Harry
Rating NC 17
Warnings Not really


Summary: Harry Potter, war hero, comes home after sustaining an injury in the service of his country-only to find that the war at home is much more dangerous.

Oh, this is a gem. It really showcases the way that AUs can allow us to explore different aspects of a character, by showing how an altered environment and history could make subtle differences in the character's thinking. And yet, these are still very recognizably canon characters, and just when you think the historical AU setting has no link to canon, an intelligent detail or twist works in a strong reminder of canon events.

It's set in the 1940s, and there is perfect, perfect historical detail here. This is a tour de force in terms of mentalite history. I'm slack-jawed at how the author gets all the details and nuances just right here, showing the constraints and options available to gays and lesbians during this period. I just melted at how true this all rang. It perfectly shows how Harry and Snape could negotiate the tensions and pressures of a homophobic culture, and yet come out on top, after all.

I also have a real weakness for stories that have a realistic, adult understanding of the trajectories that actual older adult relationships can take. On an emotional and erotic level, this rang true at every turn, as well.

And finally, this story pulled off the very difficult trick of giving us a Snape who is tender, but in a perfectly believable fashion: a Snape who'd offer affection cautiously, and always in a way that preserves plausible deniability.

This story is a delight. I am much indebted to the author.