Templum Bellonae

Wow, it seems like such a long time since I’ve read any really good HP slash. And this story is awesome.

A plot by Voldemort’s forces leaves Harry without his magic, unable to defend himself from any attack. In an attempt to keep him safe, Dumbledore has him move into a London flat, with Snape as his only contact with the wizarding world.

I categorized this story as “humour”, even though it really isn’t, because I found Snape’s thoughts about Harry’s new neighbourhood hysterically funny.

Potter’s hallway resonated with the same rhythmic, primitive thumps he’d heard the week before. Perhaps it wasn’t music at all, but some sort of debased communication between the tenants. Snape stood outside the door and knocked.

There was a lengthy pause, during which he was able, to his chagrin, to make out a semblance of lyrics accompanying the din–an invitation to slump my hump, humpy hump, slump my dumpy hump, it seemed–and then, just as he was raising his hand to knock again, the door opened a crack. Potter stood behind it, eyeing him warily.

For the most part, though, the story is contemplative and a bit sad, but a wonderful read.

Sanctum Sanctorum by Witling

The Wizarding World has forgiven Snape, but Snape hasn’t forgiven the Wizarding World. And gardening.

That sums it up pretty nicely, I think.

Thirteen Months by Argosy

Written as a prequel to Resonant’s Transfigurations (see my recommendation.) It would probably be better to read that story first, but this will still make sense even if you don’t.

It was A.J. Hall’s Lust over Pendle which first made me fall in love with Neville, and he’s still one of the most underused characters in HP fandom. Yay for Neville fanfic!

Night-blooming Heartsease by Julad

He’d been courteous and polite–the very picture of chivalry, at least for the few moments before she’d apparently determined that his behavior was masking some sort of nefarious plan. He wasn’t exactly sure whether to feel flattered or insulted by this reaction.

Well-written and funny.

Making It Personal by Lilycat

A disowned and dishonored Draco Malfoy has been given refuge by the Order of the Phoenix at the Burrow. The only time of the day in which he’s granted any privacy is during the swing shift, tea time to midnight, which he spends, appropriately enough, in the Weasleys’ garden.

There are a lot of great things to be said about this story; unfortunately, I’m too tired to say them. Read this anyway.

Swing Time by Bambu

The war is over and everyone wants something from Hermione. But that’s nothing new; she can handle it. Really.

My favourite Draco/Hermione story to date. Um, not that I’ve read very many (so far.)

I love the characterizations in this fic. Canonically, Hermione is chronically undervalued and taken for granted. And Draco would be the kind of house guest who shows up uninvited, makes himself at home, reads your mail, eats your food, messes up your apartment, and sees right through you to all your hopes and weaknesses.

“You don’t understand.”

“You? I understand you perfectly.”

He took a half-step forward. She wasn’t sure if she should get ready for a kiss or a slap.

Then he stopped.

“And I understand I’m hungry. You were so busy playing house with Potter last night—never thought that meant I wouldn’t get dinner, did you? I’m famished.” He plucked at his shirt.
Skin and bones, that’s what I am.”

“Oh for—You’re going to have to learn to feed yourself, Draco.”

He looked genuinely surprised. “Why? I’ve got you.”

If only she had a door to slam.

Breathe by Argosy

It’s time for some new recs after what has been, for me, a very long hiatus. This is the first time I’ve written a rec that I knew the author would eventually read; luckily, Argosy’s writing is so good I don’t have to worry about being tactful.

After Dumbledore’s death, Draco Malfoy vanished without a trace. Ten years later he may have re-emerged as a robber of Muggle banks. Can a bushy-haired gal from Magical Law Enforcement find happiness in the arms of a grey-eyed Master Criminal?

This is one of the stories with which Argosy has made me a DM/HG ’shipper. And Draco Malfoy makes the best bank robber ever.

Where the Magic Is by gosy

Set after Wrecked and GOF.

I love Snape and Willow’s relationship, which is pretty cute, but otherwise this story is rather dark. The character deaths aren’t anyone we really know, but they’re still upsetting.

I really, really wish this story was finished, because it’s one of those that I don’t like stopping halfway through, and not just because of my impatience. It draws you in enough that it’s very disappointing, and jarring, to run out of story.

Up to chapter 37 so far, but hasn’t been updated in over 2 years. Caveat lector.

Anywhere You Go by Sonya

Viktor’s first approach in the library.

The Library at Night by Inell

A slightly unusual HP fic. When Draco Malfoy goes missing, then turns up in San Francisco, Harry Potter is sent to investigate him.

There’s also a sequel, Surrender the Grey.

Left My Heart by Emma Grant

Victor Krum asks Professor McGonagall for permission to take Hermione to the Yule Ball. After reading this, my love for Krum knows no bounds.

There are several stories in the same universe:

• Sneaky: Victor asks Hermione to the Ball.
• Eloquent: Victor follows Hermione after her fight with Ron.
• Winterwhere: A winter picnic.
• Lucky Crookshanks: A lesson in lack of subtlety.
• When Bulgarian Eyes Are Smiling: His eyes are doing it again.
• Practical Magic: Hermione is in dire need of some practical guidance, but Victor doesn’t want to be a bandit.

Chivalry, Eloquent and Practical Magic are my favourites, but they’re all really good.

Chivalry by Rozarka

Snape/ofc.

Link is to the author’s page at FictionAlley, including the Darkness and Light trilogy, as well as several side-stories in the same universe.

A young blind woman comes to Hogwarts on a secret mission, only to find herself allied with the one man she has been warned not to trust — Severus Snape.

Fans of Laurie R. King’s Mary Russell will particularly appreciate these stories.

Darkness and Light by R.J. Anderson

Crossover between Harry Potter and Lois McMaster Bujold’s Vorkosigan books. Won’t make much sense if you don’t know a little about both sources.

In which two of the most intriguing characters from the works of J.K. Rowling and Lois McMaster Bujold meet for tea and, eventually, sympathy.

Without Enchantment is the sequel to Marks and Scars. No Great Magic finishes off the trilogy. There’s another related story, Denizen of the Deep, which should be read before No Great Magic.

I didn’t enjoy the stories as much as a lot of other people seem to have, but they were pretty good.

ETA: I guess I should mention that No Great Magic and Denizen of the Deep contain tie-ins to R.J. Anderson’s Darkness and Light trilogy. And also that the series inspired A.J. Hall’s Time Shall Not Mend, which is set in the same universe.

Marks and Scars by E.H. Smith

I think the title says it better than I could. Response to Severus Snape Fuh-Q Fest scenario 30: Pomfrey thinks she’s detected usage of a Potion that completely suppresses the libido.

When Severus goes cold-turkey, his unwanted sexual impulses come roaring back. And who else would Dumbledore choose to help Snape at this time but Hogwarts’s newest professor, Harry Potter?

The Love Song of Bastard and Idiot by Predatrix

Officially my third-favourite Harry Potter story. Great characterizations, intriguing plot, fantastic writing.

This story branches off after GoF, which is fine by me since I didn’t enjoy OotP much anyway. Draco, after having left to join the Death Eaters, abandons Voldemort and returns to Hogwarts. Unsurprisingly, none of the students who are left are overjoyed to see him back again.

Draco is his usual obnoxious, caustic self, but his inner thoughts and vulnerabilities give him a measure of charm. Neville is perfectly wonderful, and very cute.

Invisible to See by FayJay

Harry and Severus work together to destroy Voldemort. A good story, with intriguing and believable magic.

Clay by Kass

Ron has amnesia. Short.

Aphasia by Rhoddlet

Draco helps Hermione hide from the Death Eaters, and they become closer. A much better story than that makes it sound. Hermione in particular is very believable; the Witch’s Own Companion is a very nice touch.

Roundabout by akne

Fairly short, but funny and good. Bonus points because the author used one of my favourite poems in the story.

Belloc’s Amphibiary, ha!

The Familiar by Resonant

Ten due South and Harry Potter smutlets.

Ten Numbered Smutlets by Resonant