fleetzz's Journal

For Any Communities Requiring Adult Membership: I am safely above the age of 18, but no comment on actual age :)

Ok, I have been on ff.net for about a year or so, initially looking for Robin Hobb fanfiction (gave up--not much out there) and now gravitated to Harry Potter. Read quite a bit of crap (i.e. poorly written and poorly characterized) stories with occasional diamonds in the rough.

I imagine others are feeling the same. There are over 500K stories on ff.net just about the Wizarding World. I cannot read all those, even if I wanted to. After I read I move my stories into a generalized category--excellent, good, good-mediocre, mediocre, and poor. I have 9 in the excellent category (and some should be removed), some in the good, and most in the mediocre or good-mediocre files. Why? Well, I don't even try reading the poor stories, they greatly outnumber the rest. They are just deleted. Otherwise the poor pile would be overwhelmed.

So, in my profile initially I just gave links to my favorites and made a few comments on them, but now I found a web site of a reader who read Much More than I have and who has similar tastes. So here is his/her link:

http://painless-j.net/blog/hp-recs/

While I have not yet read all of her recommendations, I have agreed with her on many, although not all, of her favorites. Also, she had not been in the HP fandom for a while so excellent works written in the past few years will not be referenced.

I will still update this profile if I find an exceptional story. I will only recommend completed works. I will not recommended WIP. Also, if it is on my favorite list, I may not have read it. I am just "bookmarking" the story so I can read later.

Most of what I enjoy reading is appropriate for adults only, and many of the stories require an open mind. Prudish and prejudice readers may skip most of these.

My list here is a work in progress, and I have missed a few, but here goes:

This indicates my favorite of all as of this date: hphphphphphphphp (since I cannot use stars or other characters...)

3/21/2011 : read one today (painless_j rec's) that just made me crack up --couldn't stop laughing. Go to Harry/Ron

3/26/2011: Added Time Travel Harry/Severus story. Excellent read but rather short.

8/24/2011: Added The Apple Tree by Philo

Time Travel Harry/Ginny et. al.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4101650/1/Backward_With_Purpose_Part_I_Always_and_Always

Harry destroys Voldemort, but loses too many of his friends and most of the magical population. Harry, Ginny, and Ron decide to return to the past to correct their errors in hopes of saving most of their friends and family. Quoting Harry, "The price was too high.” Lots of angst. Just finished this one and there is a sequel. I love the time travel aspect, as it is one of my favorite story lines. However, this one had Draco as evil or at least being treated as a Death Eater, and I like reformed/enlightened snarky conceited Draco. He was a mere brush in the plot. Severus was done well. The writing was good but not great. Just finished the sequel--I loved the snarky protagonist, but felt that I really didn't get to know the characters. While I liked the stories, I may take this off of my list of favorite stories, as I think others were better written. About 7-8 / 10. Seriously thinking about removing this one...

Time Travel Harry/Severus:

http://geneticallydead.livejournal.com/211978.html Mobius

This is an excellent piece, well written with just a few minor typos that do not distract from the story. Harry is lauded as the hero of the Wizarding World, but Severus is the one who actually saved them all. Set 10 years after the Death of Voldemort, Harry tries to show his appreciation and gratitude to Severus when he returns to Hogwarts. 9.5/10 (due to short length, wish it was longer.) Great twist to the relationship of Harry, Dumbledore, and Severus.

Hermione/George:

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5549681/1/ All There Is

Emotional story, not because of Hermione and George, but because this is Canon Compliant (except epilogue) and George has not recovered from Fred's death.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5283979/1/ Engaged Before the First Date

Also emotional-AU. Fred survives the battle of Hogwarts due to Hermione's use of a time turner. George is a mess because although Fred is still alive and kicking, George witnessed his death. Fred is clueless and wants to know what the hell is wrong with George. Oh, also one of the Marriage Law stories, but it is overshadowed by the trio Hermione, George, and Fred.

Hermione/Draco:

hphphphphphphphp http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4172243/1/ Broken

You have to read this to get the entire emotional impact. Hermione returns, broken and a shell, from Italy after 5 years away, only to "run into" Harry and Ron, who seem to hate her. Draco is curious and wants to find out what the hell is going on. Very heart wrenching, for Hermione, Harry, Ron, and Draco. 10 out of 10.

Hermione/Severus:

http://ashwinder.sycophanthex.com/viewstory.php?sid=16930 Care of Magical Creatures

A very cute and humorous version of the forced marriage cliché--Hermione and Severus marry, and Severus is at a loss at how to deal with the innocent and curious and brilliant young wife he has acquired. One to read multiple times.

Harry/Draco :

http://www.fanfiction.net/u/895946/ The Sacrifice Arc
for my own information: links to character list : http://lightningwave.livejournal.com/98058.html
This author is Lightning on the Wave, who disappeared a few years ago, but has a series of 7 books, completely AU, but excellent works that she named the Sacrifice Arc. Read her summaries. Very dark (an example of how dark is Harry mercy killing 12 lower year children who are in Voldemort's control to prevent them from being further tortured, and this is only ONE example). Draco is great in this--selfish and conceited, but great! Best scene setting, character development, best all around actually! Take notes--you will need it. (slash but not a predominant part of the story, has a few scenes between Draco and Harry, but most are just referred to). 10 out of 10, but too long for me to casually return to it. She wrote 3 million plus words!!

http://slashpervert.livejournal.com/ This is an author that does mostly Draco/Harry. My favorite so far is her Harry/Severus novel http://slashpervert.livejournal.com/290075.html

Most of her stories begin with Harry captured by Voldemort and being used by Death Eaters or given as a slave to a favored Death Eater, then bonding with Draco/Snape. Her writing is full of erotica or violent non-con sex, but there is actually a decent plot and character development behind all of the porn. Her stories get rather sappy at the end, and sometimes in the middle. (graphic slash). Recently I went back to read slashpervert's works, and I am going to downgrade it a bit. Will likely remove this...

Harry/Ron:

http://tout-a-coup.livejournal.com/4213.html CrackFic! 3/21/2011

This one kept me laughing throughout the entire read. Hermione and Ginny pushing Harry to seduce Ron. Clueless virgin Harry. Clueless Ron. Obnoxious friends and family. Hilarity. Short story with a sequel. Not safe for work stick figures reveal Harry's infantile plans to seduce Ron. Great but do not open at work. Not for children.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1834715/1/Sympathetic_Magic

Fluffy piece based on Harry’s friends discovering his abuse, and Harry and Ron discovering that they have “sympathetic magic”, which bonds them together in all ways. Not the most maturely written of pieces, but the story is compelling. Quite sappy, and the characterization of JKRs major players is well done. 8 out of 10, but I love rereading because the story is so enjoyable. The story would likely be better once the author has more experience, and I will look forward to reading more from her as her writing matures.

Harry/Severus:

http://archiveofourown.org/series/4045 The Price of Magic by Sinick and Acid Added 1 Sept 2011

Harry dies battling Voldemort and returns as a ghost to Hogwarts for 7 years before finally finding Severus in London. Magic is gone. Excellent 10/10. Slash. Excellent story and the best imagery I have read in HP Fandom. I like this as much as I like If You Are Prepared.

http://www.hpfandom.net/eff/viewstory.php?sid=19708 The Apple Tree by Philo added 8/24/2011 (Graphic Slash and Het)

This has been on my "to read" list for a few months and it was well worth it. Harry is Mage!Harry, and has a talent to identify powerful wizards and witches. Powerful!Harry is not on my list of favorite character traits for Harry but I continued. He has been living on his own under a glamour and the night before returning to Hogwarts for his final year, has a tryst with Severus (unbenownst to Severus, who thinks he is having a relationship with a 20 something adult wizard named Alex). Harry identifies a small handful of wizards and witches who are not using fully utilizing their extensive magical potential and convinces Albus to allow Harry to train this group. While Severus is powerful, he is included in this elite cadre because his talents are on a par with Albus, and despite his misgivings, surprisingly allows Harry to train him. Alex and Severus continue to meet at Alex's home in Hogsmeade. Neville is hired by Alex to cultivate a garden in his Hogsmeade home, and unknown to Harry, Neville's talent is identifying magical signatures, so he is well aware of Alex's true identity. Angst and romance abound on this roller coaster ride that Severus and Harry take. There are a number of significant side plots that are delightful. This is a well written gripping story with some annoying grammatical errors, it could have used a better beta. There are some unidentified events to consider which were not included in the warnings: rape (some readers' take, I am of another opinion, read the story to get the details), attempted rape, threesome, character deaths (not major). I was near the end thinking it would be similar to If You are Prepared, but this author prefers the fairy tale, happily ever after ending. So rather than the 10/10 rating I was thinking, the ending made me drop it down a notch to 9/10. Still, this is a favorite story of many.

Added 5/31/2011 (and I haven't even finished it yet!) http://archive.skyehawke.com/story.php?no=5036 "A Year Like None Other" by aspeninthesunlight

Another very well done AU starting in 6th year. This is a Severitus, not a Snarry, and I am currently about 3/4 of the way thru the first book, there are two sequels, the second sequel is a WIP. As I indicated, I am not finished with the story, but it is excellent! Harry tries to save ailing Aunt Petunia in order to maintain his protective wards, and in the attempt, loses his magic, and soon after loses his Aunt. Severus commits to taking over the protection of Harry, and soon thereafter, Draco. Another painless_j recommendation. This is rated PG, and initially thought that I would be able to share this w/my 10 year old, but language, adult situations, some glossed over sexual innenuendo, and graphic descriptions of Harry's torture changed my mind. So far a 10/10.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4437151/1/Harrys_New_Home : (not slash)

This is a delightful story based on the oft-done Severus discovers how abused Harry was then becomes his guardian. It is written mostly from Snape's POV, with a few of Harry and others, but the author does a great job of Snarky Snape. Severus does develop quite a soft spot, quite denied by him of course. A few areas of the story are a bit far-fetched and out of character even for this author (sorry, I cannot believe that steadfast expressionless and very articulate and intelligent Severus gets tongue tied when kissed by a beautiful woman unexpectedly). The story ends in Harry's second year, and many of the major plot lines (except for Severus murdering Albus and the Tri-Wizard Tournament) are covered in this shortened period. One thing that I like is that Harry is treated as a child, and not expected to handle things that Adults should have (do you hear me JKR?), yet the story ends on a very fluffy note. It would be appropriate for children, except for some language and references to sexual activity (nothing graphic). Overall on a scale of 0-10 I would rate it about a 7. So perhaps I will remove this from my list of favorites sometime. I don't think it is one I would keep re-reading.

(the following are graphic slash)

http://www.walkingtheplank.org/archive/viewstory.php?sid=712 Muggle Sex 101, by H. Potter and S. Snape by Maeglin Yedi

You know all those really hot hot sex scenes that make you want to read more. Well, this one is not one of those. Hilarious! Finally posted this one, I read it a few months back.

http://www.fanfiction.net/u/59059/

This author has several stories with Harry needing Severus' protection (blind, injured, etc.) and the relationship developing slowly. All very good, well written with excellent insight into the motivations of each character.

http://www.walkingtheplank.org/archive/viewstory.php?sid=1515&warning=Explicit%20Sex/Violence Cambiare Podentes

5/6/2011 Just finished it again. Lovely story. A bit of a sappy one as well, but very compelling. However, I believe that the characterization of Severus is better in If You Are Prepared.

Neville overhears Professor Trelawney tell her third prophecy: Harry must become the property of Severus in order for him to tap Severus's magic to defeat Voldemort, else horrible things happen such as Harry and non-purebloods dying and Voldemort reigning for 10,000 years. Neither Harry nor Severus are thrilled with this. Author has a sequel. Graphic slash, but the author does a wonderful job dissecting the psyche of Harry and Severus as they work their way through this process. Severus does most of the changing and maturing in my opinion. Harry is characterized well, as a teenager he still is prone to explosive mood swings; I am not sure how Severus can put up with him sometimes actually. Harry needs to come to terms with being the sexual property of Severus, and you need to read to discover how Severus treats his newly bound slave. Very well done. One that drags me back to it over and over. 10 out of 10. Sappy and happy ending.

hphphphphphphphp http://www.swish-n-flick.netfirms.com/images/coverpages/iyap_cover.htm If You Are Prepared hphphphphphphphp (STILL MY ALL TIME FAVORITE!)

Touching and extremely depressing story of Harry being trained by Severus to defeat Voldemort. The prophecy is different and revealing it will spoil the ending. How Harry Potter Deathly Hallows would have ended if it was not a story initially for children. I loved this one. Well written. The author wrote this mainly from Severus’ viewpoint but another major POV is Harry. One of the best characterized Severus I have seen. The voice of Severus is perfect: intelligent, mature language, snarky, loathing others and himself, full of hatred. Harry is developed quite differently--less angry and more resigned, and much more innocent. Harry acts younger than his age in the majority of the story. 10/10 but be prepared with handkerchiefs. Graphic Slash. Written in three parts.

2/19/2011 Update: I am reading this AGAIN, and I love it more than the first time. I think that this Severus is the one I will always think of when I think of Severus Snape. The ending of the story is how ALL the endings of Harry Potter should be. Wow, what an author. The BEST story I have read, and for those who do not strongly dislike slash, you should read this. And if you STRONGLY dislike slash, read it anyway and skip over the sex scenes because the story is so compelling. Two people who have not known love and expect to die take some comfort in the small amount of time left that they have on earth (or in one member's case, the time he has left in existence).

Here is a paragraph in the Voice of Severus from the first chapter:

Prepared? No. Horrified. Shocked. Somehow livid with rage at the foolish boy watching dumbly from the bed. I find myself trying to blame him for all that has happened. Prepared, I definitely am not. But I move my head in what I believe to be an affirmative fashion and swiftly leave the room. I am only vaguely aware of a scroungy, flee-ridden mutt baring its teeth at me as I walk passed it. I pat its head absently and begin walking toward the dungeons, mentally composing my last will and testament, which somehow has become a catalogue of rare and deadly potions when I hear my name being barked. I turn to see my sworn enemy, turned brother-in-arms, standing where the mangy beast had been. It occurs to me, somehow, that I had completely ignored a creature which one could easily mistake as a death omen and I laugh.

And another :

Right, so Dumbledore has evidently not told the boy’s godfather about his oh, so brilliant plan to keep me and the Child Superstar from harm. I think how ironic it will be when I accidentally poison the little bugger and Black accidentally rips a few gaping holes into my body.

I shrug off the thought. If I have to choose between death by Voldemort and death by Black, I will choose Black. He isn’t clever enough to be cruel. I pick up a stack of parchment and begin punishing a class of third year Gryffindors for being. I immediately feel a calming wave of general bitterness wash over me and wonder only vaguely what sort of monster I had been in my previous life to deserve being reincarnated so close to hell.

5/6/2011 Adding:

http://www.intertexius.com/_index-harry-potter-fanfiction-and-art.html A Bittersweet Potion Ok, I said that I wouldn't recommend a work in progress, but technically, this first one is finished. Alchemia Dent and Bugland have been working on this for years and books 1-5 are complete and they are a bit stalled on book 6. I read these also on painless_j's rec. As it has been near 4 years since book 6 has been started, and according to the authors they aren't working on completion, I really can't technically recommend these, but I REALLY loved them. The Harry/Severus relationship is painful and touching, and unfortunately for both, completely immature, since they can't stop fighting with each other, but so insightful, as they have a bond where each can sense how the other is feeling. You know how much they care for each other. The first books are rather humorous, but as the series progresses, it gets darker and more tense. Hope the authors are able to finish the series some day. It looks from the website that they planned several more books.

Enjoy reading. If you like these and have others to recommend please send me a private message (preferred) or e-mail (which may be lost in spam).

7/28/2011 I finally figured out how to download these wonderful stories and transfer them to my iBooks a while back. I was reading them in Goodreader in pdf format after downloading and formatting, etc... Good news: I finally have a list of excellent stories a bit expanded from my list above. Bad news: you will have to do a google search to find the story links. Here goes:

Excellent (author, then title):

Aspen in the Sunlight: A Year Like None Other

Mandy: Mobius

Jordan Grant: Cambiare Podentes

Inadaze22: Broken

michi_thekiller : Nightingale

DragonLight: The Paradox of Existence

Mia_madwyn: Care of Magical Creatures

Rushlight: The Pendulum of Choice

Barbarella: The Boy Who Lived and Care of Magical Teenagers

Cybele: If You Are Prepared (Still my #1)

Dianann: Dark Chocolate and White Chocolate

Rushlight: Through a Shattered Mirror

Telanu: The Tea Series (look on Walking the Plank)

Tira Nog: A Nick in Time (lovely!)

Ravenna C Tan: Hero Worship (I also put this in Almost Excellent, but forgot why...)

A few more added 8/15/2011:

Getting the Hang of Thursdays by Hatseed (ashwinder)

Ashes of Armageddon by Emily Waters

Blood Magic by Gateway Girl

All of Lightning on the Wave's books

Caramel by Corianderpie

The Devil Will Drag You Under by DementorDelta

Give and It Shall Be Given Unto You by kai (read everything by kai, she is great)

The Last Dance by Sushi (Snarry, sad..., think If You Are Prepared but a short story)

No Way Back by Meri

Through a Shattered Mirror by Rushlight

9/1/2011: The Price of Magic by Acid and Sinick As good as If You Are Prepared

9/13/2011: Stealing Harry by Copperbadge

Almost Excellent:

Anna Fugazzi: Bond

Alchemia Dent and Bugland : A Bittersweet Potion (only in Almost because of its incompleteness)

Cluegirl: Pet

persepolis130: Reconciling Lily's Eyes (featuring totally screwed protagonists Harry and Severus)

DragonLight: To Dream These Dreams

Meri: Courtship Rituals

RaeWhit: Unnatural Selection

Sushi: Marching Off To War and it's CW Verse sequels

8/15/2011 Added:

GreenGecko: Resolution, Resonance and Revolution

A Matter of Trust by Josan and Kai

RaeWhit: Occam's Razor

RaeWhit: Unnatural Selection

8/24/2011: Philo: The Apple Tree

9/23/2011: I Got Tired of Waiting: Surrendering the Mark

Enjoy.