regan_v

When is a PWP much more than a PWP? When it forms an arc, like this set of stories.


Title: The Equipero Series (link is to the author's HP story list, and all four stories in this arc are linked halfway down the page)
Author: meri_oddities
Pairing Snape/Harry
Rating: NC 17. Scorchingly so
Warnings Not so's you'd notice. Offstage and barely mentioned infidelity in one section. When the sex is this hot, who needs kink?

Summary: Snape and Harry have to get married. And then they have to figure out how to live together. Fortunately, sex is not a problem.

Full disclosure: I read the first section of "Equipero," I thought it was, beyond question, one of the finest PWPs I'd ever read in any pairing. I still think so today. But after I met the author, I asked her what came next: what happened, the next day? To my delight and shock, she finished a sequel for my next birthday, and added a segment each year thereafter. It's now a complete, four part story arc. And it proves that the sum is often greater than the total of its parts.

The first segment of "Equipero" is a PWP. Snape and Harry have to get married and bonded. For life. And consumate the marriage. An old plot, to be sure. But in this story, it's made freshly compelling. And simply unbelievably hot. Each subsequent story in the arc can be read as a stand-alone PWP. But as it unfolds, you see that it's more than that.

In part, this is because this arc uses sex as a vehicle for the development of the relationship so superbly. I mean, this is master class writing, when it comes to sex-as-characterization:

Even as Snape promised himself that he would not be so greedy or noisy this time, that he'd not give Potter the satisfaction, as soon as Potter's tongue started to press in again, he promptly broke the promise. And really, he assured himself, it didn't matter so much in the scheme of things.

The characterization of Snape here is another reason this arc works so well: this Snape is far too wary, too defensive to ever be straightforward with himself, or with Harry. He's outstandingly talented at denying his own emotions, and what he feels and needs here.

But Harry isn't willing to accept that. Like canon Harry, he wants a settled private life. He pushes Snape, crowds him, and refuses to simply walk away. And fortunately . . . every fight ends up in bed again. On one level, this is a terrific "fight until we fall into bed" relationship.

But it's also more than that, by the end. The story arc traces the gradual evolution of arguments and snarly wallsex, and early morning sex, and makeup sex, and really every sort of sex, until . . . they end up with a precarious sort of balance. And it works. For both of them, although I doubt any two other characters could have ended up in this place.

So the "Equipero" series is a PWP. With a plot. And the sex here? Is a plot.

But you'll need to read it, to find out how that works.

I know that some people dislike hit counters, so I wanted to let you know that I'm going to install them ("invisible ones" without ads, although I can actually see them, heh) on some of my fics and meta.

The hit counter is offered for free by statcounter.com, and I want to use it to track hits on rarepair stories vs. major pairings (Snarry, in my case, although I have a couple of H/D ficlets) and also to compare the amount of readership for meta vs. fiction. It's to satisfy my own curiosity about what people like to read on my journal, in other words. The counters I'm using will not tell me who is reading the page (you are still anonymous!); they only tell me how many people have looked at a page.

Everyone always says that major pairings get a ridiculously higher number of readers than rarepairs, and I wanted to check out that claim (I am also curious whether Snapefic in general is appealing, but I probably have no way to test that). Also, I have no idea whether fiction or meta is more interesting to people on my flist, so I thought I'd compare the stats for those. Anyway, it's just to find out more about what people on my flist find appealing.

But since I know some people are suspicious of hit counters, I thought I should say something so you'd know I'm not interested in individuals who read my work. Only the big picture.

I had a long phone call with meri_oddities this evening, in which we thrashed out the State of the Snape.

If Snape doesn't interest you much, then you might want to keep scrolling. ( But if he does, then there's discussion of where the untapped areas in fanon might still be, under the cut )

I'm sure there must be at least two people on this flist who haven't yet been made aware that today is Severus Snape's birthday. Or perhaps only one.

Anyway, it is. I'd considered writing meta or even a ficlet for the occasion, but the material I've seen posted all day dissuaded me from doing so. I mean, those are some mighty fine tributes being posted by people on a variety of comms. Some of whom apparently knew Snape much better than I did.

I couldn't top those, mean to say.

And even if I did decide to spill my guts in a letter addressed to Snape . . . well, some things are private.



I mentioned that today was Snape's birthday to my son, and he immediately perked up from his after-school exhaustion.

"You should make him a cake," he said brightly.

"No, I don't think so. People might laugh at me."

"No they won't! You could make it with green icing, too."

"We made a cake for Harry's birthday in July, remember? With red and yellow icing? And you all teased me, afterwards."

"He just wants some cake," my daughter cut in, a bit scornfully.

"I'm not going to make one," I said firmly. Honestly, I don't need the calories.



And then, there's art. I could draw my vision of how Snape might look now, at the age of 48. Except hello, he's dead ten years now.

What a pity.



I could write a very bitter letter to JKR about what a shame it is that she ended the plot arc involving Snape in such an unsatisfactory fashion. But I doubt she'd listen. It's his birthday, and he's dead and buried. And she's frivoling in Scotland, sitting on top of a mountain of cash.

The wicked flourish like the bay tree, of course.



I could sing something for his birthday, I suppose. But man, that is waaaaaay too close to the astral wife of Snape zone, if you see my point.



So, I guess I won't do anything to observe Snape's birthday. I just can't find a fitting format, somehow.

Yeah, you read that pairing right. What can I say? Pirate tempted me, and I ate.


Title: Powerful Men
Rating: R
Warnings: Well, it's H/D. Also, rentboy; off-stage character death; and frank discussions of bodily functions, torture, grief, death and love.


Summary: The Battle of Hogwarts was lost, but after ten years of tyranny and terror, Harry Potter has finally defeated Voldemort. Slowly, those who suffered the most under Voldemort’s reign – the half-bloods, the Muggleborns and the blood traitors – emerge from their enslavement, literally and figuratively, seeking refuge and comfort and healing from a group of volunteers, organized by Harry’s friend Hermione Granger, working out of the half-ruined St. Giles-Without-Cripplegate Church. New friendships are kindled, laughter shared, and secrets spoken, and all the while a bell tolls.


This is an amazing story: derivative and transformative in terms of its relation to canon. The narrator, an unnamed Muggleborn rentboy, is an astonishing creation: his voice and POV offer a unique vantage point to survey a dystopian world in which Voldemort won, and a fascinating description of Harry's relationship to the Minister of Magic. Pacing, narrative structure, and tone are all master-class level. I'm blown away.

And I loved the ending. A gut punch.

Gina's revealed the names, and I can now thank my benefactress properly.

Turns out that the story written for me, Being Snape was written by gingertart50. And if you missed the rave review I gave this story when it was first posted, then please go read it and see what you've got waiting for you. Because I meant Every Single Word. All of it.

And the delightful thing is that she's an author I hadn't read much of before, so now I can run to read the rest of her work. If the story she wrote for me is any sampling, I have some wonderful treats waiting for me. *rubs hands*

Also, I can now confess to having committed Snockhart: Loose Ends.

Surprised that I didn't write Snarry? So am I. :-) And it came off much better because my two betas helped me to improve it enormously: schemingreader and florahart. Thanks to both of you: I learn more about writing each time I work with them and my other beta friends!

I'm not normally much for vids, but this is an astonishing meld of images, melody, and lyrics. Lim moves adroitly between the stockpiles of images we've got from the first five movies, fusing them into something different. This is outstanding.


In Exchange For Your Tomorrows, by lim.

I've been traveling a lot lately, and downloaded quite a few stories into my laptop to read on the planes. And now, I want to repay these authors for the pleasure of their fiction by pulling together a list of quick recs, before all the reveals go up. Because we've had a LOT of great fic this season, and I feel lucky to share a fandom with so many talented and generous people. Truly.


D'accord, d'accord by bronze_ribbons (Snape/Lupin, PG). Not an anon fest story, but I wanted to include it because it was polished, lovely work (like all this author's stories). Almost an AU, but the author makes it work with recent canon: Snape makes a new life as a chemist in America, and discovers that he can't really (and doesn't want to) leave it all behind him. Lupin's new career here tickled me a lot, and the politics (both academic and otherwise) work beautifully.

Dirty Laundry, and the Airing Thereof (James/Sirius/Remus, NC 17) by anon. Normally Marauder fics do little for me: they're still too young to be really interesting from my POV. But the glowing recs I saw for this drew me in, and I'm glad I heeded the good taste of my friends. Because this is Rashomon meets the Marauders, and the complex narrative structure works wonderfully well. In the process, you get a humorous meditation on the meaning of fiction vs. reality, the "truths" of eyewitnesses, remarkably fine characterization for all of them (but especially for Peter), and some very hot sex. Lovely use of magic here, and the story is both deft and light-hearted.


You Didn't Think They Just Sold It To Him? by anon (Fred/George/Draco NC 17). Heed the warnings here, because this is pure non con (regardless of how Fred and George frame it to themselves, I mean). I have always, always felt that Fred and George are sociopaths; Molly failed there IMO and someday I'll do some meta on that. But in Harry's (and JKR's) eyes, they can do no wrong. This story knows that Fred and George's light-hearted approach could easily twist and spin into an episode of pure terror for one of their victims. And since Fred and George have no conscience at all, they wouldn't be troubled by anything approaching empathy. Because they target Draco here, I could actually even enjoy watching them do their worst. I wouldn't recommend this for anyone who is fond of Draco, however. Characterization for all three is superb, and it is a superb bit of non con erotica, as well.


The Rose Petal by anon (Snape/Lupin, NC 17). There's a warning here for non con, but it's not harrowing at all (IMO) and I wouldn't let it put you off unless you really only enjoy upbeat romance in your Snupin. This is clever and deft and I never saw the ending coming. Smart, and I enjoyed how Snape's thought processes are depicted here.


Here, Where the World Is Quiet by busaikko (Snape/Lupin, NC 17). It's by Busaikko. I don't really need to say more than that, do I? This is a gentle, wistful, smart story that grabbed me and took hold hard. Snape and Lupin care together for the child survivors of Greyback's attacks. Not nearly as fluffy as the opening premise sounds, mostly because this author understands the realities of childrearing, and also because she knows that it just won't be as easy as all that. The ending startled me and made me think hard. Wonderful.

Slow Convergence by Iteration by dracofiend (Snape/Harry PG 13). This is a very fine example of Legilimency! Snarry; the author gives a really persuasive and detailed description of what the whole process must feel like, which really grabbed me. The Snape voice is perfect, too. And as with all this author's stories, the prose is quite polished. Not to be missed, if you enjoy Legilimency/Occlumency stories, especially.

This was, hands down and beyond any question, the very best Christmas present I got this year. My God, did I ever win bigtime in the Smutmas sweepstakes.

Title: Being Snape
Pairing: Snape/Harry
Rating: NC 17
Enticements Warnings: infidelity, repeated transgressions of social taboos, DH-compliant

Summary:When Harry Polyjuices into Snape, he finds out more about the Potions master than he ever dreamed.


As the author's note comments, this story "explores themes of adultery and sacrifice" (and the costs imposed by homophobia and choosing to have children) and does so sharply and deftly.

Harry can't let go of Snape. He just can't. Even though he's happily married with three young children. He can't let it go.

As we all noticed, many things were left unresolved between them at the end of DH. So years after Voldemort's death, he decides to bring Snape back in the only way he can: by brewing polyjuice, and using some of the dried blood left in the Shack to transform himself into Snape. Now, he can finally find out what was under those robes, what it feels like to be Snape.

The story carefully develops Harry's growing obsession with Snape step by step, until Harry finds another wizard who can "play" Snape for him even more effectively than he himself can. Or is it Snape, himself?

The story is at heart epistemological: it plays with the question of what Harry knows and how he can know it, and with issues of identity and authenticity so adroitly that I was left gaping, wondering if the author was really going to be able to pull this off. Oh, but it works. All of it.

"Being Snape" is satisfyingly long and its characterizations are absolute gems. I am dying to go into detail here, to describe exactly how well each character is realized here, but I just can't think of a way to do it without spoiling the story for you. And it would be a shame to spoil something this engaging and clever. And did I mention hot? Because it is also a polished piece of erotica: the sex is simply meltingly hot.

The ending? Ah. The story knows that it can be very costly to truly act like a grown-up. You have to live up to your obligations, in the end, or you'll find that you can't live with yourself. And in the end, Harry does have to let it go.

Or does he? The ending is complicated, and can certainly be read as hopeful.

This story is a gem, a jewel. Even if adultery doesn't do it for you, you should read this. Because stories this clear-eyed and intelligent . . . . stories that can convey the gripping compulsion of erotic obsession so well that you're left gasping . . . don't come along very often.

This story is truly one of the winners of the fest season, this year. And it was written for me

*hugs herself, and dances around*

I really did think there was nothing new under the sun, when it came to Legilimency! Snarries. Nice to be proven wrong.

Title: Non-Verbal
Author: anon
Pairing: Snape/Harry
Rating: NC 17
Warnings: no. (the character death mentioned here isn't going to upset you, I promise) Harry is over 18, too, so my Aussie friends will like this one.

Summary:Harry loses his voice in the final battle with Voldemort. Snape offers a unique skill in the process of getting it back.


Snape penetrating Harry's mind . . . who could ever tire of that? It's a cliche among Snarries, and I actually hadn't seen much of it lately. But this story gives a new twist to it, and the fresh spin works very well. Harry has lost his voice in the final battle, and the POV here as someone who is mute and who must allow Snape to enter his mind (because Harry cannot speak) is very well done. The analogies drawn here between Legilimency and sex are quite good, and the sex is . . . well, effective. And the ending is quite pleasing. Who could ask for more? Enjoy.

OK. I know you were all waiting for the Aberforth slash, right?

And if you weren't, well, this story will teach you better. This is one of the finest stories of the fest season to date.

Title: Goat Song
Pairing: Aberforth/Snape
Rating: NC 17
Warning: nope. Except a warning for outstanding writing

Summary: A tragedy in five scenes.



Mostly, I just want to squee and blubber and burble. Rather than give, you know, a coherent story summary or something.

This story builds on DH to flesh Aberforth out in ways that made my jaw drop. It was that perfectly done. It weaves in and out of the timeline we now have for Snape, to show Aberforth as a critical spectator to Albus' use (and abuse) of Snape. The story is tight, beautifully written and plotted, and does a note-perfect job of character development with both Snape and Aberforth. And, around the edges, with Albus, too. The magic is very clever, and the ending is lovely.

Be sure to put this on your Smutmas "to read" list. It's very fine.

Wow. There is really nothing that hits the spot exactly like a heart-filling, long, plotty romance, complete with good sex scenes. In your OTP, moreover. I am one happy camper right now.


Title: Between the Lines
Author: Who knows? I'd like to shake her hand, however.
Pairing: Snarry, naturally
Rating: NC 17
Warnings: Harry is 16 in one scene. Other than that, nope.

Summary: As it turns out, Tom Riddle is not the only person you can communicate with, when writing in a blank book.


Harry was crushing bigtime on the Prince in HBP. You knew it. I knew it. Hermione knew it. Canon Harry was about the only one around here too dim to figure it out. This story uses that fact as a starting point, to explore what would have happened if Harry had been able to communicate with his Prince, not knowing that it was Snape. At first. The plot device the story uses to put them in contact with each other is clever, and the relationship that develops here is utterly persuasive. The story is long and ultimately very satisfying. And my God, the sex is hot: there's just no other way to put it.

One thing I'd single out about this story, apart the excellent plot and erotica, is the way Snape's voice and character are developed. Usually in good fanfic, Snape is really quite adult: his voice has all the maturity, cynicisim, and pragmatism that I'd associate with someone my own age. And yet, we've all often noted in our meta about Snape that in some ways, he never really grew up. We've noticed that his emotional development is a bit stunted. I mean, why else would it be believable that he'd become involved with Harry? He really can't be that mature.

This story knows that. The Snape here feels older than Harry, yes. But once their walls have come down, he speaks to Harry not in the complex syntax and vocabulary of an academic (as fanon Snape often does, even in bed) but rather in a simpler, younger tone that is really compelling and persuasive. He feels like a good match for Harry, in fact.

If you like this pairing, don't miss the story. It's not only for shippers (since the story goes to some lengths to show how Harry falls for Snape) but any story this emotionally satisfying is going to appeal to just about every Snarrista on my flist. It's just lovely.

Yes, I'm rec'ing Draco fic. You can close your mouths, now.


Title: Coming Up Sometimes For Air
Author: buckle_berry
Pairing: Remus/Draco
Rating: NC 17
Warnings: Not really. Draco is an adult, too. It's AU, since it was written before Book 7.

Summary: Remus and Draco are both coming to terms with the war's aftermath.


This story made me want to squee and fangirl the author like the newest of noobs. And she did this to me with a story that features Draco, so you know she must be a witch, passing among us Muggles.

After the war is over, Remus is assigned to work with Draco, who defected to the Light before the end and is now disgruntled to find himself doing leg work for the Order. Both of them are stunned by the loss and destruction all around them. This story deftly and succinctly conveys what it feels like to live through the aftermath of a tragedy, and how the grinding, patient load of grief has to be put to the back of one's mind, in order to do the work that must be done.

Characterization here is so exquisite as to make me weep. Under his arrogant facade, Draco has been knocked flat---as the very young often are by a tragedy---staggering under a load that he doesn't yet have the maturity to process. Remus is old enough to know that the trick here is to just keep going, and he's got the maturity to know that the adults have to step up to the plate here and do their jobs without complaint. Severus and Minerva make short appearances that are note perfect, as well. There's even a hint of Snarry-to-come at the end, which made me melt.

For this alone, I would love the author eternally. But there is a plot here, too. She's good at showing how things change, settle, and progress. And by the end, she's come up with a solution for both Remus and Draco that is far more pleasing than canon's.

This is a gift to any HP fan, regardless of what you ship. Go read, and lavish praise on the author.

I get the temptation to simply ignore Book 7. That's a siren song for many of us.

But if you ignored DH, you wouldn't get gorgeous fics like this one:

Title: Old Times' Sake
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Snape/Lupin (Lupin/Tonks in the background)
Warnings: adultery, dub-con, wall!sex, rimming, prostitution (in a sense), questionable lubrication ;), a little breathplay, suicidal thoughts (Merry Christmas! ;))


Summary: When Remus turns to Severus for his potion even after everything Severus has done, Remus isn't sure what he trusts, or wants, Severus to do more - help him or kill him. He just never expected Severus would ask for the payment he does.

Remus needs Wolfsbane. From Severus, as it turns out. And Severus will still brew it even after Dumbledore's death. For a price.

Ah. Yes. Here is completed! canon Remus, in all his complexity and compromised values. This story doesn't shy back from what DH told us about Remus, but rather applies it brilliantly in a tour de force of edgy kink. Remus is so good at self-deception here, and at backing himself into a corner. The characterization here is among the finest I've ever read, for Lupin. And Snape's done just as well: an opportunist who knows where he stands and what his own goals are. And what he wants.

Gorgeous and sharp as a knife. If you can take it a little less fluffy, don't miss this one. It knocked me flat.

RL has been busy, but the fests have begun. And I've resolved to start posting more recs again.

One of the best stories I've read recently has already been rec'ed in a few places, but perhaps you haven't read it. If you like good Snapefic, this will be manna.


Title: A Well-Managed End
Author: julia_linnea
Pairing: Snape/Harry. But really, this is next-door to being gen.
Rating: G
Warnings: Are you kidding? That was a G rating.


There are, astonishing as it seems to me, people on this flist who like Snape but don't much care for Snarry. No accounting for taste, as they say. But even though this story is labeled Snape/Harry, fear not. That comes in only at the very end, and the story is essentially a character study of Eileen Prince.

Eileen comes to life here in a way that I've seldom seen equaled in any story. She's curt, pragmatic, and loyal to her son. And her horizons are drawn so carefully here that it's a joy to read. But most of all, she understands the ways in which a well-managed family is a matriarchy.

Matriarchy is the real ship here, presented in a sly and charming fashion. Go, read. It's short, and it will leave you smiling.

I've been a bit soured on fandom lately. But this story is made of love. It made me feel warm and happy.

Perhaps it's what the doctor ordered for you, too.

Title: Time and Again
Author: Sushi (wikdsushi)
Pairing Snape/Harry and Harry/Ginny
Rating: NC 17
Warnings Infidelity. Wait, that's not a warning, is it? For some, it's an attraction


This story manages to do quite a few things, and makes it all look easy. It's completely DH-compliant, Snarry, and (as day follows night, since we last left Harry in a distinctly married condition, back in that travesty she called the epilogue) it includes a serious spot of infidelity.

My cup runs over.

But even more than the cheap thrill of a kink hit square-on, what I relished about this story was its casual, profound grasp of the realities of adult life. Harry and Ginny feel like a long-married couple here. And Harry's tentative, sometimes awkward interactions with his children . . . well, yes. Sometimes that's just how it feels to deal with the walking timebombs called adolescents. The emotions here are complex and meaty.

And the ending . . . . well, it's not sad. What more can one ask for (realistically) with this pairing, eh?

Check it out.

This was written for meri_oddities, who celebrates her birthday today. And since she's the one who has patiently and persistently pushed me towards a multi-fannish perspective, I wanted to offer her my first attempt at SPN meta.

Happy birthday, dear heart.


( Why did it seem, last year, that SPN was the series that Ate Fandom's Brain? )


And also? I'd like to thank Beth H, who beta'ed this for me in the midst of personal adversity. She always stops me from making bad mistakes.

This won't be news to a lot of my flist, but this novel absolutely deserves a rec. Some of you, like me, don't read WiPs; if so, you should know that this is now complete and well worth the wait.


Title: The Price of Magic (Note: this link takes you to a listing of all the chapters)
Author: This part wasn't entirely clear to me. It was begun by ac1d6urn; but by the end of the long period it took to complete, it was being co-authored by sinick and ac1d6urn. Like many of the best pieces of fanfic, it is obviously a deeply collaborative effort.
Rating: Some parts are adult (a hard R, I'd say), but most of it is PG 13.
Warnings: Well. Some angst, yes. But the ending will please everyone, I predict.

Summary: Haunted by the ghost of a former student, an ex-wizard struggles to preserve magical knowledge for future generations.



This is an outstanding example of why I consider fanfic to be a gift. As in, manna from heaven. God, what a lovely, heart-filling piece of art.

I swore off reading WiPs some time back, because I found that the stories lost emotional impact when I read them in such a fragmented fashion. And this story makes me so glad I waited. It's like those sex scenes in really good stories, where you're waiting and waiting for it to finally happen, and when you get there, the effect is so much greater because you had been through the journey to get to the climax. There's simply more emotional impact. This story? Hit me like a bludger (in a good way), and I think it's because I waited until I could read it all at once.

I'm melted by this story. The warmth and affection that Harry and Snape share is made so real in this story, so palpable, that it fills me up and makes me happy.

My God, what a journey this story takes the characters (and the reader) through. This novel has a complex and original premise, and it builds its own world in a slow, compelling fashion. I was drawn in and deeply engaged by the characters and the unfolding plot. It did take a couple of chapters to pick up speed (from my POV), but then I was pulled in very sharply. The last half of it went like one of those enraptured fanfic experiences, where you're up reading until 2 a.m, simply unable to stop scrollilng and clicking because you have to see how it turned out.

There are so many brilliant bits here that I don't know where to start, and I don't want to spoil you if you haven't yet read it. But this is choc-a-bloc with clever devices and set scenes that work very well. There's a plausible and careful discussion of magical theory here, embedded in a moving and detailed depiction of a post-war world where magic has apparently vanished. The survivors of the wizarding world are now scattered, and have been rendered squibs. Except for Harry, who is a ghost.

The headers promised Snarry, but I honestly didn't see how this could be much more than pre-slash, when I started reading it. I mean, sex with a ghost? But Acid and Sinick found work-arounds, which I won't spoil you for. The story solves this "problem" in a way that is original and moving. And the ending just works. It works.

This is a truly heart-filling story. It takes its time, and in the end it leads you to a very, very happy place. It gives a whole new meaning to "happily ever after," too.

This story is a gift to anyone who likes romance, Snape, intelligent plotty stories, magical theory, or compelling visions of a post-war wizarding world. Don't miss it.

By the time I was three paragraphs into this, I was pretty sure I would want to rec it.

But by the time I finished it, I knew. This is the sort of story that saves a ship from bad canon. For me.

Title: Conjure-Man
Author: ishafel
Pairing: Snape/Harry
Rating: NC 17
Warnings: Not really

Summary:Where else would you look for a ghost but in the city of the dead?


Harry learns that Snape might be in New Orleans, post-Katrina, and seeks him there. Normally, I'd shy back from a fic that used a recent RL tragedy as a backdrop (I've seen some using 9/11, or worse, the Holocaust that made me wince). But here, the setting works wonderfully well, in a spare and unsentimental fashion. After all, Harry and Snape ended in canon in a damaged, postwar society, and this setting maps that feeling---of a story continued amidst the ruins---on to the devastated streets of New Orleans.

Characterzation of both of them is note-perfect here. This is one of the most canon-compliant renditions of Snape and of a Snape/Harry relationship that I've ever read. And the prose style is something to savor slowly and reread again: understated, smooth, and supple.


( excerpt is beneath the cut )

I'll admit that I've been reading mostly gen lately, and gen that assumes that Snape died in May 1998. But this story is the sort of imagined ending that can get me past the death of Snape. It carries such conviction, such plausibility and is so compelling that I simply surrendered to its view of things. And where that took me was a much, much better place than where DH left me.

This? Is, you will come to agree, what we need much, much more of.

Most of my flist has also friended McTabby, since she long predates me as an HP fan creator and commenter. But I wanted to make sure that none of you missed the poem she posted today.

The concept is clever, the execution is just perfect, and the cadence is light and bouncy. Like the best Dr. Seuss poems. And the ending made me smile.

McTabby's Afterlife! Snape