My merry_smutmas gift fic has been posted and it's brilliant beyond words. I try to be more coherent here than in my comment, but bear with me, I'm still stunned at the perfection of the gift. The author seems to know me so well, it's a shame that I don't have a clue who she is. After the reveal, there'll be a lot of head-slapping and of-course-ing on my side, that's for sure.

The Beginning of Be Mine by anon (Snape/Harry, NC-17)

Summary: Harry embarks on a strange journey to a place where all things, even second chances, are possible.

The author's greatest talent is magic realism mixed with humour. Never is a scene only bleak, or only funny, only dark or light. There's magic interwoven everywhere, and that's what makes Harry's journey so special. From the breaking up with Ginny on a rainy day over a bookshop (Harry among intellectuals, it's just hilarious) and a circus with bright orange tents, Harry has to travel far to find what he really desires, and he has to work hard to keep it. What I love most about the fic is that it's never predictable with new and fantastic things waiting behind every corner.

I've never read a more intriguing resurrection of Snape and a more interesting Trelawney. The story's full of wonderful details and great characterisations. First of all, there's Snape. He's grown up and calm, and then, when the masks fall, he's so possessive and hot. He overcomes Harry like a force of nature, leaving him no other chance than to be his.

An outstanding fic, exciting and brilliantly written. I can't say how thrilled I am that it was written for me!

from merry_smutmas:

Rise From the Ashes by anon (Teddy/Cedric, NC-17)

Summary: Muggles have an old saying: "Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it." Teddy never quite grasped the meaning, until he made a wish of his own.

I'm not keen on reading about minor characters, characters whose personality isn't fully fledged out in the books. Teddy Lupin's nothing but a name in canon, and JKR's characterization of Cedric is certainly superficial. Having said that, I wonder why I even started reading. I'm so glad I did, though.

The author has a wonderful talent for characterization. S/he takes the few known facts about Teddy, his status as a Metamorphmagus, Harry's godson and an orphan who never knew his father, and creates a compelling new character, first and foremost defined by his youthful improvidence and charm. I fell in love with him right away. Most of all, I enjoyed the depiction of his relationship to Harry and Lupin. And Cedric, Cedric is just the perfect Hufflepuff hero (as he's in canon, but with an edge and much more three-dimensional).

Plot is another quality of the story. It's skilfully constructed and full of surprises - a real page turner.


From harry_holidays:

Lions and Tigers and…Wolves? Oh, My! by anon (Harry/Remus, unrequited Harry/sentient Apple Tree (poor Apple Tree), implied Ron/Draco. Also sharing screen time are: Hedwig, Dobby, Sirius, Lucius, Neville, Hagrid, Snape, and Dumbledore. Oh, and Dead!Voldie., NC-17)

Summary: When Harry's house spins off into a strange land, he has to complete a great journey with new friends and foes before he can find his way home again. A retelling of The Wizard of Oz using the Harry Potter universe and characters.

I haven't read the Wizard of Oz, only seen the movie, and so I can't really know how much of the style and composition of the fic is owned to the novel. The adaptation to HP canon is very convincing and satisfying. I especially loved Ron, Draco and Neville as Dorothy!Harry's companions and the cameos of Snape and Sirius. Oh, and the apple tree, of course. A wonderful light-hearted read.


From snarry_holidays:

No Place at All by anon (Snape/Harry, NC-17)

Summary: Weary of his life as the hero of the wizarding world, Harry leaves Britain. After long years of traveling, he comes across a circus and a whole new world opens up for him.

It's not the Snarry relationship that's the most wonderful thing about this fic, but the circus. It's magic and a freak show at the same time, and like in a perfect freak show, you afterwards wonder who are the real freaks. It's created with so much love to detail that you'll find something new and fascinating in every paragraph. Inferi-charmers and a skeleton man, a naughty sphinx and even more naughty snakes. Snape, of course, is a snake charmer. And Harry, he's changed, and then, not. A fantastic read!

Fic from snarry_holidays:

Between the Lines by anon (Snape/Harry (obviously), NC-17)

Summary: Harry discovers a secret in his Potions text and a friend in the Half-Blood Prince.

This story, I can honestly say, fixes canon for me. The author changes one thing about the Prince's book, and, going out from there, follows canon as closely as possible. The changes are subtle, intelligent and to the point. The developing relationship between Snape and Harry is wonderfully paced and comes naturally. Fantastic erotic scenes, witty and hot at the same time. Did I mention that the writing is brilliant? Highly recommended!


Art from merry_smutmas:

Naga's Pool by anon (Snape/Harry, NOT WORKSAFE, NC-17)

A gorgeous piece of art. I love the colours and the textures and its eroticism. Most of all I love that it makes my fantasy run wild.


Hold On by anon (Sirius/Remus, NOT WORKSAFE, NC-17)

Tender and hot! I love the way they look into each others eyes, the kisses, the slow undressing ...

Title: Blackout
Author: Anders Svartalfurinn
Pairing: Snape/Harry
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: ~ 1900
Summary: Harry begins a new life in London. Non-magical AU.
A/N: Many thanks to sansa1970 for the incredibly fast and competent beta!

Written in honour of dementordelta's birthday. Her prompt was: bright lights, big city. I'm sorry for the enormous delay and hope you'll enjoy it!

( Blackout )

from merry_smutmas:

Occam's Razor by anon (Snape/Harry, Harry/Draco, NC-17)

Summary: Two years after the end of the war, only desperation could make Harry seek out the help of a one-time enemy.

First of all, this is a very long story (over 90,000 words). Like all great novel-length fics, Occam's Razor allows us to delve into a fictional world, to immerse ourselves in such a way that we forget everything around us.

By now you've probably noticed that I don't want to give away any plot details. Provide yourself with something to eat and drink and find out for yourself. It's a story most definitely worth your time.


Loose Ends by anon (Snape/Lockhart, NC-17)

Summary: Lockhart's forgotten it all, of course. But Snape remembers for both of them.

Don't let the pairing deter you from a fantastic read, full of humor and sharp insights in the "Slytherin" psyche. Brilliant characterizations!

I got my first present today. And what a wonderful present it is: Cel wrote a ficlet for me.

No Resurrection by celandineb (Snape/Harry, G)

Summary: The Resurrection Stone can't bring back Snape.

No Resurrection is all about Harry thinking. His logic is flawless, if a bit slow. Written in such an understated, matter of fact way that it's all the more fun.

Thanks again, Cel. A little bit of Snarry goodness was just what I needed on such a bleak day. *hugs*

from merry_smutmas:

This is an absolute first. Not only did I read a Drarry, I'm going to rec one. Believe me, I still don't like Draco, but this particular Draco was just too irresistible. Btw, it was the title that got my attention. I still have that song in my ear: Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee, Little jackie paper loved that rascal puff, ...

Draco, the Magic Dragon by anon (Harry/Draco, NC-17)

Summary: Come to the fair! Draco's granting wishes, Harry's investigating a mystery, and Luna's giving away pants. Crystal balls and kissing, dirty talk and candy floss – and that's just the beginning.

The title might have got my attention, but it was the quality of the writing that got me hooked. Draco's voice is wonderfully ironic, and his new life (at a Muggle fun fair of all places) is shown with brilliant humor, but never without sympathy for his dire circumstances. And Harry, he's dead sexy and adorable in his sexual confusion. Action, adventure, great sex ... go and read, even if you don't ship the pairing!


Thanks Goddess, there was Snarry, too, today:

Healing by anon (Snape/Harry, NC-17)

When Harry, Ron and Hermione return to the Shrieking Shack to retrieve Snape's body, they find him still alive (barely). Hermione's healing spell has some unforeseen consequences.

HOT! That's all I have to say right now. Just absolutely, incredibly hot!

Proudly presenting my chrismatized default. Doesn't old King Tut have a great cock ... er, candy-cane-sucker mouth? (Thank you, coell!)

In other words: Deck the Icons! (Molesting your icons with holiday additions. Santa hats for everyone!) is open for requests again. Yay!

Whispers by anon at snarry_holidays (NC-17)

Summary: Auror Harry Potter infiltrates "Whispers" – a Slytherin-owned gay wizarding sex club – to uncover a Galleon laundering scheme.

A hilarious comedy, a wonderful romance, great action scenes, a lot of suspense and not to forget the amazing sex - Whispers is an outstanding fic that's 'good' on so many levels. A must read, not only for Snarry fen.

Faint Indirections by tarteaucitron (Neville/Percy, Snape/Potter - sort of, PG-13)

Summary: Written for the prompt: Professor Neville Longbottom converses with Severus Snape’s portrait. Neville finds himself accidentally curator of miscreant plants and portraits. He’d probably much rather be having a nice cup of tea in the greenhouse.

Full of subtle touches and wonderful details, Faint Indirections is so much more than a love story. It's a great character study of Neville, showing his struggles with his job, his life and Snape. The voices of Snape and Neville are spot on. An absolute delight.

Found this antique Halloween card on the web and had to share. Doesn't it look as if Snape had asked McGonagall to look after one of his potions while he's working on his Animagus form?





HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Posting is finished at the Snarry Games. Time for more recs:


Quid Pro Quo - A Tribute by lizardspots (NWS, NC-17)

Lizardspots draws emotions masterly. It's Snape and Harry's faces that tell the story. Their kiss is one of the hottest kisses in fanart I've seen so far.


It's Easy to Forget by regassa (PG-13)

Regassa tells the heartbreaking story of Snape and Harry in beautiful colours. Amazing details and a great concept. Stunning!


In Defeat, Victory by ariadneelda (PG)

A scene I bitterly missed in canon: Snape and Harry fighting together. Amazing colours. I especially love the threatening masks behind the trees and the way Snape holds Harry.


Waiting by ac1d6urn (NWS, R)

Acid tells us what really happened at the end of DH. I'm afraid I can't see how this is AU. *g* Her last words are so much better than All is well. Especially Harry's face is amazing.


Longing by chupachup (G)

I can't say much more than that Chupachup's painting is heartbreaking and absolutely beautiful.


Two Years by glockgal (G)

A humorous take on painting!Snape. Absolutely hilarious (whiny!Harry is priceless), and still, the second panel shows so much emotion and longing.


Unbound by Gravity by swtalmnd (NWS, R)

Beautiful colours and amazing details. The Grindylows are my favourite. But not to forget Snape and Harry spiraling in the centre, making love.


These are my absolute favourites of this year's art games. What are yours? Don't forget to vote and comment, the polls are open until Noon, Saturday, November 3/07, PST. (Master List of Entries)

Thank you, oh Gods of Time (or whoever's responsible for stealing us an hour in spring to give it back in autumn), it's actually wonderful to be able to get up before noon again.


Whatever your position regarding JKR's outing of Dumbledore, have a look at Chaeche's fantastic vid:

The Only Gay at Hogwarts by chaeche

I love the humour of Little Britain's song, and Chaeche found just the perfect scenes to illustrate it.


Watching the vid, I noticed that I've become used to, even prefer, Michael Gambon's Dumbledore.

I've a poll on my IJ, and would like to know: whose Dumbledore do you like better?

Great art at the snarry_games:

Harry Potter and the Scenes from Canon by umbrus (PG, safe for work)

Canon scenes with slashy subtext (complete with quote and page number) are combined and reinterpreted. The result is a wonderful campy Snarry, hilarious and romantic.

I love the collage-y style, the way painted scenes are interspersed with drawings and text. My favorite is the last panel, but I won't spoil you.

---

A challenge for artists:

snape_potter is looking for a new header. Any ideas about how the greasy old git and impertinent brat should adorn their favorite comm? All kind of styles are welcome.

Fabulous art at the snarry_games today:

Five Books H. James Potter Never Wrote or Published by brevisse

Brevisse's comic strip shows a day in the life of Snape and Harry, a very special day, the day Harry wants to become an author.

Hilarious and romantic, it's full of awesome details. My favorites are Snape with glasses reading the paper and Snape as Dick Tracy. Every time I look at it, I find more things to fall in love with. Snape and Harry's expressions, the portraits, the tiny sausages in the frying pan ...

Posting has started at snape_after_dh (InsaneJournal) and at LiveJournal, and there are already some wonderful entries. Go and check them out!

Sansa's story just blew me away:

Life in Kind by sansa (Snape/Harry, NC-17)

When no Master Painter is willing to paint Snape's portrait, Harry is doing it himself. After all, he owes it to the man to keep his memory alive.

Sansa's story shows the obsession of the creator with his creation, how they're inexorably drawn to each other. It reminded me of the novels of E.T.A. Hoffmann, of Pygmalion, of the Gothic novel. A stunning fic, just as irresistible as Snape's portrait is to Harry. Sansa's words easily outdo paint, blood and semen. A must-read, not only for Snarry fans.

Googling at random for anything related to English public schools, I came across a very interesting essay by George Orwell. It deals with the "penny dreadfuls" of the 1930s and earlier.

I didn't know that beside science fiction, wild west, Tarzan and detective fiction, public school fiction existed, even pre-dated the other genres and seemed to be the most popular of them for a long time. It's fascinating to see in which tradition the Harry Potter novels stand. Orwell's essay is also an intriguing document of its time.

Boys' Weeklies - Essay by George Orwell (1940)

On an unrelated note - I've counted the scenes I still have to write for my merry_smutmas fic and the remaining days. It seems to be manageable. *vbg*

That doesn't mean that I shouldn't stop procrastinating now. Harry's got to get some!

White Feathers by lampblack (Safe for work, PG, AU)

Lampblack's stunning black-and-white piece shows Harry and Snape in the trenches of WWI, holding white feathers in their hands. A tender moment, that seems so peaceful if it weren't for the barbed wire and the Dark Mark threatening outside.

I love how the picture hints at a backstory, but allows the viewer's imagination to play. The ambiguous symbol of the white feathers is a perfect reminder of different worldviews. What are Snape and Harry? Cowards? Heroes? The picture shows them only as themselves, pensive, but the outside world looms at the edges, threatening with judgment.


Trouble Sleeping by gredandfeorge (Safe for work, PG-13)

A beautiful piece of art that shows Harry clinging to Snape in sleep. It's a lovely scene, peaceful and relaxed. Snape seems to be scowling even when asleep and Harry's adorable. I love especially how their arms and legs are done, Harry's knee is perfect.


Full Fathom Five My Lover Lies by pervert_bitch (NWS, R)

A perfect illustration to cluegirl's fic Can't Take the Sky. It brought all the intense emotions back that I had when reading the brilliant story. (See my rec here.)

... with two absolutely gorgeous pieces.

Silent Assent by froggie (NWS, R)

Who knows me knows how much I adore Snape smoking. Snape and Harry both smoking is even more wonderful. And in bed - perfect! The colors are beautiful, especially Harry's pink stockings - hot. I love how Froggie has done their hair, and the expression on Snape's face is priceless.

Storeroom for the Damaged by glockgal (NWS, R)

I love the colors and the composition - it's like a maelstroem of madness and obsession. What I like best is Harry's face in the real world, though. He's the perfect portrayal of sadness, hopelessness and defeat. But there's Snape behind his chair, and that means: not all hope is lost.

cluegirl asks which ten fics you would save from destruction. Really hard to answer. I'm interested to see which ones you'd choose.

And sansa has very interesting stats on fandom reading habits. They certainly put LJ into perspective. A lot of the mentioned archives I never even heard of. (No, not FFnet. I started reading there like anybody else. *g*)

And now send me good writing vibes, please. Since I came back from my holidays, I only wrote about 500 words. That has to change. NOW!