Hello and welcome to the Fic Sniffers - Immeritus' own recommendation thread!! Each month we will have three people recommending eight stories each of the very best in HP fanfiction according to genre, rating, character, pairing, kink, and general fics. In celebration of Marauders Appreciation Month, we have Moon recommending a selection of Marauders fics featuring slash, dark fics and interesting finds and I'll be bringing you some angst, het and rare pairings among others to start us off. All Fic Sniffers recommendations will always be found in this thread and should only be posted in by the Fic Sniffers.

To discuss the Fic Sniffer recommendations, please click here.

If you’re interested in becoming a Fic Sniffer, please click here.

To start us off, I have two Peter-centric fics and one SB/RL fic.

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Title: A Bed of Nails
Author: Jaxmari aka imadra_blue
Link to Author's LJ/Website etc: www.livejournal.com/us...adra_blue/
Genre: Drama
Pairing(s)/Character(s): PP
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Spoilers: HBP
Summary: Peter Pettigrew lives in a hell of his own making.
Why I am recommending this fic: The first fics of Jaxmari's that I read were all in the Star Wars fandom but this is a perfect example of why she should write more HP. This is basically a train of thought from Peter's point of view and if you've ever wondered about Peter's motivation or character then this is a good fic to read. Jax shows us both his strengths (which made him a Gryffindor) and his weaknesses (which ultimately led to his friends' deaths) and draws a compelling portrait of someone living with fear and guilt.
Excerpt: There was nothing in the world that could ever justify what he had done, not even to his own eyes. Yet, it didn't change the fact that he had done it and now had to live with it. He had chosen to save himself over others, and he had become a monster for it.
Link to story: www.livejournal.com/co...tml#cutid1

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Title: Abner of Astlegate's Most Splendid Pox
Author: Cate aka sheafrotherdon
Link to Author's LJ/Website etc: www.livejournal.com/us...rotherdon/
Genre: Humour
Pairing(s)/Character(s): SB/RL
Rating: PG
Warnings: Slash
Spoilers: None.
Summary: Remus gets sick and Sirius plays nursemaid.
Why I am recommending this fic: This is one of those fics which never fails to make me smile. It doesn't matter how many times I read this I always laugh at Sirius' thoughts in Capital Letters, his bewilderment on the subject of chicken pox and his heroic attempts to help Remus. There are some exquisite turns of phrase here and the characterisations never veer off into girly.
Excerpt: "Hi." Remus' smile was wan as he dropped his keys on the floor, and winced as the front slammed shut behind him. He sighed and looked as pathetic as Sirius ever remembered seeing him. "I don't feel good," he said at last.

And there it was, the dreadful news. Hardly I lost my leg today in a tragic incident involving a puddle, a monkey, and a packet of crisps or even I just transformed into a werewolf and you know, that hurt like hell but, nevertheless, it was dreadful.
Link to story: archive.skyehawke.com/...hp?no=7125

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Ok, so now that I'm back from Salem and Immy's back up, here are my recs which would have gone up last week. These three each focus primarily on one Marauder or one Marauder's point of view. Here's a little insight into my penchant for character development/character insight fics. More tomorrow. For now, enjoy!

Title: Christmas on the Dai Llewellyn Ward
Author:Emily Anne
Author's LJ: www.livejournal.com/us...emily_anne
Genre: General
Characters: Remus Lupin, newly bitten werewolf
Rating: PG
Warnings: N/A
Spoilers: OotP
Summary: Arthur Weasley's wardmate has just been bitten by a werewolf and is finding it difficult to come to terms with it. On what should be the happiest day of the year, this new werewolf gets a visit from Remus Lupin.
Why I am recommending this fic: This story lets us into the bitterness and frustration that the Wizarding society and Ministry laws have imposed on werewolves. It also gives a nice insight into Remus' thinking and life-attitude while at the same time filling in why his work for the Order to extend a hand of friendship to werewolves is so important. While Emily Anne keeps us focused on the unnamed man sharing Arthur's room at St. Mungo's, we get to see just exactly what is at stake for werewolves in the Wizarding World--and how easy it is to wallow in the injustice of it all.
Excerpt: "Let me guess," Remus said, easing back into his chair. "The Healers have been telling you that everything will be fine, it's not as painful as you think, you'll be able to handle it, and you'll have no problems leading a normal life."

"Sums it up."

"They're lying."
Link to story: www.thedarkarts.org/au...CODLW.html

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Title: Redeeming Time
Author: Minx
Author's Website: www.vidweasels.com/Min...index.html
Genre: General, Drama/Romance
Pairings: James/Lily, Sirius/Remus
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: mild slash
Spoilers: N/A
Summary: In the year after The Prank on Snape, James and his friends confront changes in themselves, in their relationships, and in those around them. James’s POV; 4 chapters.
Why I am recommending this fic: I love fics that show good character development and this is one of them. Beginning the night of The Prank and following the Marauders for a year, Minx shows us a very plausible of how they could have and would have dealt with the incident that exposed Remus' secret. With the First War on the fringes and Lily still blowing James off, Minx shows us how James grew up to become someone with whom Lily could have fallen in love.
Excerpt: “Let me guess.” That was Remus’s voice, still a little husky from sleep. James and Sirius both looked up with a start. They must have been more involved in the conversation than James had thought, not to notice Remus coming up to the table. “You’re talking about Evans.”

“Yes,” said Sirius, rolling his eyes. “Again.”

Remus dropped his books on the table. “Why won’t she go out with me?” he asked in a mock-pitiful voice. “Why won’t she look twice at me? Why won’t she pay any attention to me? Oh, woe.”

“Shut up,” James said. Then, with a sudden certainty, he announced, “She’s going to marry me and have my children.”

“How very dynastic of you,” Remus said. “I’d suggest you let her in on this plan, too. Just, you know, when it’s convenient for you.”
Link to story: www.vidweasels.com/Min...ming1.html

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Title: Flowers at King’s Cross
Author: Olive Hornby
Author’s LJ: www.livejournal.com/us...ivehornby; Olive Hornby’s fics on sugarquill.net
Genre: Gen; Drama
Character: Sirius
Rating: PG
Warnings: N/A
Spoilers: N/A
Summary: In the turmoil of the First War, Sirius Black tries to come to terms with ihs brother's death.
Why I am recommending this fic: A short piece, this fic explores Sirius' emotions after he learns of Regulus' murder and attempts to memorialize him. It's a powerful little piece that doesn't get angsty in that annoying way. Sirius' remorse over what could have been strikes just the right chord of sorrow and poignancy.
Excerpt: “I keep thinking, somehow, that this is my fault. At least partly. I should have treated you differently, I should have tried to help you instead of picking on you... maybe if I’d been a better brother you wouldn’t have joined the Death Eaters. Maybe if I’d been a better brother you’d still be alive.”

He shifted slightly and moved his package out of his lap. He laid it on the ground to bury his head in his hands.

Standing where he now sat at the platform, returning from his final year at Hogwarts, was where he had last laid eyes on his brother Regulus.

Regulus hadn’t even looked at him. He’d barged away, angry and sullen as usual, and Sirius had watched him go, glaring at his back.

How he wished now that he had stopped his brother and spoken to him. Anything said would have been preferable to the chilly silence they had kept with each other for so long.

A hug wouldn’t have killed him, either.
Link to story: www.sugarquill.net/rea...p;chapno=1

This third set of fics is a little late so apologies for that. This time I bring you a couple of fics rated PG and a romance genre fic.

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Title: Blank
Author: Switchknife
Link to Author's LJ/Website etc: LJ: www.livejournal.com/us...itchknife/ Website: notquiteroyal.net/switchknife/
Genre: drama/darkfic
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Implied JP/SB
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Sirius in Azkaban
Why I am recommending this fic: Although short this fic really packs a punch. It's about Sirius' fight to retain his memory in the presence of the Dementors. A very poignant piece.
Excerpt: He doesn't remember much of his past. He's not allowed to. There are gaps in his memories, like missing teeth, that he can feel only through their absence.
Link to story: notquiteroyal.net/swit.../blank.htm

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Title: A Spirit Of Brotherhood
Author: Torch
Link to Author's LJ/Website etc: LJ: www.livejournal.com/users/flambeau/ Website: strangeplaces.net/torch/index.html
Genre: Drama
Pairing(s)/Character(s): RL, SB, SS
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Spoilers: Up to GoF
Summary: Tea, nightshirts, and blood. Cooperation isn't all it's cracked up to be for Sirius, Severus, and Remus.
Why I am recommending this fic: I love this fic for the detail. Torch writes all three characters brilliantly and examines their motives for acting the way that they do - both towards each other and in the outside world. Memories of Marauder Era Hogwarts are interwoven with developments in the present (this fic is set between GoF and OotP). Throughout the fic the angst and drama is beautifully offset by the drudgery of the household tasks they complete. Very nice indeed.
Excerpt: Black tried once more to push past Lupin, who didn't budge. "He tried to give me to the Dementors!"

Snape stood his ground and watched. He knew that Black couldn't get past Lupin, whose strength and resiliency were something other than purely human, and didn't give himself any points for heroism. "At the time, I had every reason to believe that you were a justly convicted murderer who had allied himself with Voldemort. Would you have preferred that I patted you on the head and gave you sweets as a reward? Or dog biscuits, I suppose."
Link to story: strangeplaces.net/torc...rhood.html

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Moon wrote on 27th October 2005

Quote::

My final three fics this month were supposed to be a romance-genre fic and a couple of 'general' stories. What can I say? I almost managed it. Title: Beyond the Veil Author: Helene Link to Author's LJ/Website etc: Userpage: www.fanfiction.net/u/34574/ Genre: Drama/Angst Pairing(s)/Character(s): RL/SB, HP, SS Rating: PG-13 Warnings: None Spoilers: Up to OotP Summary: Trapped in a world where he can be neither seen nor heard, Sirius Black struggles to communicate to his friends that he may not be as dead as they think he is... and that something dreadful lurks beyond the veil. Why I am recommending this fic: This is the best 'beyond the veil' fic I have ever read. The storyline is imaginative and original; the characterisations of Harry, Remus, Sirius and Snape are brilliant; and there are some lovely touches of romance and humour throughout. Although this fic does feature the RL/SB pairing, Harry plays a major role so this is more of a general fic in my book. Excerpt: Sirius tried to move, and found to his surprise that he could. Not only that, but his chest didn't hurt at all. Movement was difficult, though, and not in the way it usually was following a stunning spell or an impediment jinx; it felt like he was trying to move through honey or glue, like the air was a sticky, resistant mass that pushed against him on all sides. He half expected, drawing a deep breath, to feel it sliding down his throat like treacle, and repressed a shudder when he felt - nothing. Link to story: www.fanfiction.net/s/1416891/1/ Title: Hang The Moon Author: Canis M. Link to Author's LJ/Website etc: sekaiseifuku.net/puppyfarm.html Genre: General, Pre-slash Pairing(s)/Character(s): The Marauders Rating: G Warnings: None Spoilers: None Summary: Three of the Marauders pay a visit to Honeydukes; one thing leads to another. Why I am recommending this fic: O.O A general fic recced by Moon! This fic is a lovely piece featuring Sirius thinking on his feet and getting into a scrape, James trying to keep out of trouble, Remus recovering in the hospital wing and Peter buying Jelly Slugs. A lovely slice of life from the Marauders-era and there's RL/SB pre-slash there too. What more could you want? Excerpt: "Good God. Is the entire school at Honeydukes?" "Looks like it." Although he could hear Peter's teeth chattering, James hesitated, swiveling on his heels. "I don't really fancy fighting the crowd to get in." After a moment of frowning at the gaggle of his classmates, Sirius blinked, then began to grin. "We won't have to," he pronounced, in a tone that made James regret having said anything about the crowd at all. "Watch this." Link to story: azkabanslair.slashcity...heMoon.htm So that's it for Marauders Appreciation Month - hope you enjoyed them as much as I did.

Hello, folks. You may be aware that Pen has some RL issues going on at the moment, and I am proud to say that she has asked me to complete her snifffing for this month. She was planning to cover war fics this week, so without further ado I bring you…

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Title: June Seventeenth, Nineteen Eighty-One
Author: sasha_davidovna
Link to Author's LJ/Website etc (if applicable): www.livejournal.com/us...davidovna/
Genre: Gen
Pairing(s) (if applicable)/Character(s): Sirius, James, assorted Aurors, Remus.
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: On War and Werewolves
Why I am recommending this fic: For all we know that Remus is a werewolf, it can be easy to forget exactly what that means – both for him, and for the rest of the Wizarding World. This fic helps us to remember.
Excerpt: Death Eaters have attacked the Werewolf Registry and opened all the cages. He feels a surge of panic before he remembers that Remus is far away in Scotland, safe, with James and Peter to keep him company. He hopes. Moody claps him on the back with a sympathetic look and drops a handful of bullets into his hand. The silver is dark and tarnished, gleams dully in the light, heavy against his palm.
"Just in case," Moody says. Sirius swallows hard.
Link to story: www.livejournal.com/us...82417.html

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Title: Lullaby
Author: blue_moony
Link to Author's LJ/Website etc (if applicable): www.livejournal.com/us...lue_moony/
Genre: Angst
Pairing(s) (if applicable)/Character(s): James/Lily, Remus, Sirius, Peter
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Much sadness. Bring tissues.
Spoilers: None
Summary: In which James and Lily come to terms with the new life they will shortly bring forth, even though it is Not A Good Time.
Why I am recommending this fic: It’s beautiful. It is poignant and sad, and yet full of hope at the same time. There are some gorgeous descriptions, and the characterisation of Lily is excellent – you really feel how torn she is, and how fearful she is for the life that is growing inside her..
Excerpt: “Lily,” he tries. “Lily, love…” But he needs more than that here; he knows that now. “Lily,” he says, “This is when we need children the most. I know it hurts, I know you’re scared, but we can give him love, Lily. Love, and a future. We can give the promise that we’ll do everything to give him the world. We’ll have something to fight for, you see? Something besides our own futures, since we already promised we’d give those away in a heartbeat if we had to. But for something more, Lily. That’s what this is all about, isn’t it? Building a better world for the next? For him?”
Link to story: www.livejournal.com/us...22686.html

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Title: Like Prayers
Author: sheafrotherdon
Link to Author's LJ/Website etc (if applicable): www.livejournal.com/us...rotherdon/
Genre: Dark, AU
Pairing(s) (if applicable)/Character(s): Remus/Sirius, Peter.
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None, unless you’ve not read PoA and are unaware who was responsible for betraying James and Lily…
Summary: Not quite the October 31, 1981 you think you know
Why I am recommending this fic: OK, it’s still dark, but it’s more positive than the other two! I think that this is a far better version of the events of Hallowe’en 1981, and the writing is superb – poetic and emotive.
Excerpt: Sirius is already there, kneeling in the rubble, James gathered awkwardly in his lap. There’s an awful sound on the wind – a harsh, broken noise that Remus doesn’t understand, and he wishes it would stop because he can’t think while someone suffers so. “Quiet,” he whispers, and he’s angry – furious – striding toward Sirius with his hand balled into a fist. He’ll hit him if he has to because this can’t be their ending. This can’t be James in Sirius’ arms, with splintered glasses and pain-washed face. This can’t be Sirius spilling sobs like prayers – pleas of the faithful, mass for the soul of their fallen boy-king. This can’t be what’s asked of him, to kneel in the dirt with the pressure of grief like a storm in the spaces between his ribs, beating against the fragile skin at his throat.
Link to story: www.livejournal.com/us...41413.html

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Now, if you’re feeling a bit glum after reading all these, fear not – my next batch will bring some quite frankly ridiculous light relief!

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Ruby wrote on 28th October 2005:

Quote::

Me again! Right, given that my last recs were maudlin to say the least, I thought I’d go to the other extreme this time. These fics are hilarious, although they do require that your suspension of disbelief is rather stronger than usual… Title: The Dead (Parrot) Wizard Sketch Author: julia_fractal Link to Author's LJ/Website etc (if applicable): www.livejournal.com/us...a_fractal/ Genre: Humour/Parody Pairing(s) (if applicable)/Character(s): Dead!Sirius, a customer, a shopkeeper. Rating: PG-13 Warnings: None Spoilers: It may spoil the original sketch, if you’ve not seen it! Summary: Based on Monty Python’s ‘Dead Parrot Sketch’ Why I am recommending this fic: I love Python, I love Sirius, and I love funny, irreverent fics where I actually get all the references! Excerpt:. Customer: “He is resting in peace! He has fallen beyond the Veil and left us forever. He’s kicked the bucket, dead as a doornail, gone to doggie heaven, given up the ghost, he is standing outside the Pearly Gates and making a pass at St. Peter as we speak! This wizard is absolutely, irrevocably, without a shadow of a doubt DECEASED!!!” Shopkeeper: “Well, truth be told, all the Blacks are.” Link to story: www.livejournal.com/us...46874.html

Alrighty, here we go! This month I have been given the marvellous topic of Lucius Malfoy. *is v. grateful to moon for giving me my favourite cold-hearted manipulative Death Eater!* I won’t lie to you, I do find him fascinating and compelling – even more so since I have been scrummaging around for suitable fics. Fanon is so full of contradiction regarding him, and to demonstrate that I have decided to separate my recommendations into The Many Sides of Lucius Malfoy
So, first off, I bring you *drum roll* Family!Lucius

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Title: Filiation
Author: cruisedirector
Link to Author's LJ/Website etc (if applicable): www.livejournal.com/us...edirector/
Genre: Gen
Pairing(s) (if applicable)/Character(s): Lucius, Draco (That’s Lucius and Draco, not Lucius/Draco. I may be sick, but I wouldn’t foist it on you lot…(yet!))
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Draco has a bad dream. Lucius is there to comfort him
Why I am recommending this fic: Because it’s beautiful. It is a quiet, touching moment between father and son, and while Lucius still retains his cunning slipperiness, he also demonstrates a far more humane side. It is written in an understated, intimate way so that you as the reader feel like a voyeur, like you are being given a glimpse of something forbidden.
Excerpt: The little boy nods, but already the stoic expression is crumbling. By the time he was Draco's age, Lucius already knew not to cry in front of his father. His own son's tears leave him unsure whether to be displeased or impressed that this fragile trust remains. It should not be difficult for Lucius to exceed the parenting skills of Abraxas Malfoy. He is determined that everything will be different between himself and Draco.
Link to story: www.livejournal.com/co...42006.html

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Stay tuned for a different view of Lucius next week!

*laughs* Wonderful, so it's my turn. This month, I'll be doing varied PG stories. It's me, so I can't help a little Remus bias, but I'll try to be fair to all tastes. For now, though, forgive me if the first rec is a Marauders fic, dealing mostly with Remus.

Title: Darkness Dying
Author: Iniga
Genre: Drama
Characters: The Marauders, Lily Evans.
Rating: PG
Spoilers: SS/PS, CoS, PoA, GoF, FB, QTTA, OoTP
Summary: It’s 1980. James is afraid to think. Sirius is afraid to act. Remus is afraid to speak. Peter is afraid to confess. In other words, an answer to the age-old question: how could Sirius suspect Remus?

Why I'm recommending this fic: The age old question has been answered by many, and no one does it as succesfuly as Iniga. We journey with her through a moment in the lives of the Marauders we rarely get to see - as young adults, trying to make it into a world ripped apart by war. And, through her insight we get a glimpse into why things could have happened the way the happened, and we can continue to love the characters as we do, because in a way, we feel we know them better.

Excerpt: Moony thinks he’s the last one. He’s wrong. He thinks it’s impossible.

One day he’ll believe the impossible.

He will.

The wolf howled.

Padfoot howled.

They think I was the Secret-Keeper.

WORMTAIL! THE RAT!

That’s why I’m here.

But I’m innocent.

Padfoot cocked his head and knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he would not be forgetting himself again for a long, long time. He changed forms once more, and Sirius stared out the window at the Cold Moon.

“My name is Sirius Black,” he informed it. “And I am innocent.”


Link: Darkness Dying at Fanfiction.net

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Title: Invisible
Author: Fernwithy
Genre: Drama
Link to Author's LJ/Website etc (if applicable): http://www.livejournal.com/users/fernwithy/
Characters: Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, James Potter
Rating: PG
Spoilers: SS/PS, CoS, PoA, GoF,
Summary: Snape saves the Weasley twins, leaves the Death Eaters, and returns James Potter's Invisibility Cloak to Dumbledore.

Why I'm recommending this fic: One of the first in the long line of 'Why Snape turned fics', this one actually delivers. Without over-contemplating the choice, or grasping for straws, Fernwithy tries to get into the mind of one of the most difficult characters JKR has given us, and show us why Snape choose a path, that in the end, would prove to be as difficult for him as the one he was in. Not only is it believable, after reading this, you won't want to believe it happened any other way!

Excerpt: Snape was on the verge of a choice, and to leave him lost in the mist would be unconscionable.

James saw Snape's arm twitch, then swing in a tight arc, the knife flashing in the firelight.

He didn't think anymore.

He just reached out and caught Snape's arm.


Link: Invisible at SugarQuill.com

This week I will be mos’ly recommendin’ Ludicrous!Lucius.

Close your mouth at the back, you’ll catch flies. I know it’s hard to believe, but Lucius can let his hair down and be ridiculous – and still remain fairly IC too! Oh go on, just try them. You’ll laugh. You will laugh *glares menacingly*

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Title: Death Eater Etymology
Author: fleshdress
Link to Author's LJ/Website etc (if applicable): www.livejournal.com/us...leshdress/
Genre: Humour
Pairing(s) (if applicable)/Character(s): Lucius/Sirius
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Curiosity killed the cat. How it works on puppies and serpents remains to be seen.
Why I am recommending this fic: The characterisation is superb. Sirius is engagingly puppy-like, while Lucius is cool, dominant on the surface – and yet just a little bit under Sirius’ thumb. fleshdress is an extremely versatile writer, and she manages silliness as well as every other genre. Just the right combination of hot boylove and absurdity. I love it!
Excerpt: There were many benefits to taking Sirius Black as a lover. Many, many benefits. Unfortunately, the need to remind himself almost constantly of that fact simply so he would not Avada Kedavra the man and be done with it was, to Lucius’ mind, one of the downsides
Link to story: www.livejournal.com/us...14985.html

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And next week we have arguably the best side of Lucius…

Title: Darkness & Light 1: The Potion Master's Apprentice
Author: R.J Anderson
Genre: Drama
Pairing(s) (if applicable)/Character(s): OC/Severus Snape
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Spoilers: Post OoTP, so anything before that.
Summary: 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.
Why I am recommending this fic: R.J Anderson just understands Snape. Through the eyes of Maud, one of the most memorable OC's ever seen in fanfic, we see Snape in a new light, from the eyes of someone who loves him, not because he's perfect, not because he's handsome, because in the end, he's neither of those things, and maybe, not because he deserves it, but because, deep down, he needs it. And, there's nothing as irresistible as that. A sometimes dark fic, set in a Slytherin house devoid of the sunshine and laughter that inhabits Harry's world, this is a story from the other side, the one that we hardly hear about.

Excerpt: The moon, and fire, and the voice of a man. These three things were stamped indelibly upon her memory of that night, more clearly than the stuffed kneazle her four-year-old self could not sleep without, or the expression on her father's face as he kissed her for the last time.

For fourteen years now she had waited, listening, for that voice to speak again. And when she heard it, she would recognise it at once.

What she would do when that happened, however, she had never been entirely sure.

Link to story: Darkness & Light 1.

If you like it, I'd recomend the sequels, since this is merely the first of a trilogy. If you like Snape, or heck, even if you hate him, you should check this out and let me know how you feel afterwards. It changed MY mind!

Title: In the Dark
Author: Trinity Day
Genre: Humor
Rating: PG
Summary: Sirius, James, Peter and Remus are stuck in a dark room together.
Why I am recommending this fic: A rather strange fic, this is by far one of the funniest I've ever read. An exercise in voices, as the author calls it, it lacks voice tags, the speakers are never identified and it involves the Marauders, a dark room, and a rather interesting situation where the reader ends up as confused as they are, but in a throughly enjoyable way. See if you can figure out who says what!

Excerpt:

Do you ever shut up, Sirius?

Only when I sleep.

Sometimes not even then.

Thanks, Moony. What is this, Pick-on-Sirius-Day?

We already had this conversation. Let's not have it again. I swear, Padfoot, you're a bloody narcissist. You're in love with the sound of your own voice.

Actually, Narcissus was in love with his reflection, not his voice.

Sirius is in love with his reflection, too. He just can't see it in the dark. Hey, here's an idea, Padfoot. Why don't you use your wand and bring some light in here so you can see your reflection!

Link to story: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/383451/1/

Just in the nick of time here's the final two Snarries and two general fics about the Sorting Hat on Pen's behalf.

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Title: If You Had Known
Author: Maeglin Yedi
Link to Author's LJ/Website etc: www.livejournal.com/us...aeglinyedi
Genre: Drama
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Sorting Hat
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: The Sorting Hat wonders if it made a mistake.
Why I am recommending this fic: This drabble was written before the HBP came out and so is a bit AU now. However it still retains its chilling power. A masterpiece of a ficlet.
Excerpt: The Sorting Hat remembered everyone he'd ever sorted. He remembered sorting all the long-dead Headmasters on the office walls just as clearly as the tiny first-years from last September's sorting ceremony.
Link to story: www.livejournal.com/us...19848.html

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Title: Legacy Of The Thinking Cap
Author: Andrea13
Link to Author's LJ/Website etc: www.sugarquill.net/ind...amp;id=490
Genre: Drama/Humour
Pairing(s)/Character(s): The Hogwarts Founders, MWPP, Snape
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: Up To OotP
Summary: The Founders in the Sorting Hat return to Sort the most...marauding generation yet!
Why I am recommending this fic: This is a fic we considered recommending during Marauders Appreciation Month but it didn't quite fit the bill so I'm happy to be able to recommend it this month instead. This is the story of the Marauders' generation Sorting told from the Hat's/Founders' point of view. Pen describes it as really cute and downright hilarious at times - and I'm happy to go along with that!
Excerpt: For centuries, the secret of just what "brains" had been put into the Hat was one of many imparted on the Headmaster's first day on the job. After all, quavering eleven year olds had enough to worry about trying to keep their knees from knocking together too loudly whilst facing the great multitude of horribly frightening second- through seventh-years that were about to become their schoolmates. If they knew that the unthreatening, battered old hat about to Sort them into their new Houses actually held the magical essences of the four great Founders of Hogwarts...

Well, the school nurse would have been extremely busy with reviving potions instead of getting to enjoy the Welcoming Feast!

The reactions were as varied as the Heads themselves, though stunned shock was a common reaction. Armando Dippett had fallen right out of his chair at Helga's cheerful hello. One notably sour Headmaster, Phineas Nigellus, had been spotted wearing the Sorting Hat for the better part of his first week in the job, apparently arguing with it rather forcefully. His embarrasment over being seen thus led to a rash of students in detention, House points being lost left and right, and Headmaster Nigellus rapidly becoming the least popular Headmaster at Hogwarts.
Link to story: www.sugarquill.net/rea...p;chapno=1

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So a big, ‘Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas’ to you all. This month I will be reccing Christmas fics and Remus-centric fics. (You may imagine the struggle I will have had to narrow my immense collection of Remus fics down to a mere three…) Anyway, here goes!

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Title: All Through the Night
Author: casira
Link to Author's LJ/Website etc (if applicable): www.livejournal.com/us...asirafics/
Genre: Gen with a hint of romance
Pairing(s) (if applicable)/Character(s): MWPP, with a hint of S/R
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Hogwarts' first all-house choir brings a little music and mystery to the castle halls, as Sirius tries to chase down the voice that's been haunting him.... MWPP-era, very mild slash.
Why I am recommending this fic:. Because it makes me feel all warm inside. There is some beautiful characterisation, and Sirius and James during rehearsals are hilarious. I liked the fact that Peter was not ignored in this fic, that he was given something that James and Sirius were not. Above all else, though, I found it moving and haunting, and I will never be able to listen to the Coventry Carol the same way again…
Excerpt: Over where the boys sat, he saw the beginnings of a minor commotion, and Sirius and James smirking over something, too.
Oh, honestly, Remus thought, but laughed too when he noticed what they were doing - the brown-haired Hufflepuff boy in front of them was getting his hair raised up into the air, strand by strand, until it looked as though he'd stuffed a finger in a Muggle electrical socket....
"Gentlemen," McGonagall finally said, lowering her quill and glaring.
James smiled nonchalantly; Sirius inexpertly hid a grin. The hair flattened back down, and the boy looked behind him, trying to figure out what everyone was chortling about.
Remus pressed a hand over his mouth, too, until the laugh that threatened him went away.
Eventually she got through the rest of the girls, and finished scratching down notes. "Very good; thank you all," she said. "Now, I'll start with the boys...."
They shuffled up one by one, loosely organised by vocal range. Remus half-wondered, in an amused sort of way, why she was even bothering to make the basses audition; there weren't many, and she'd likely need them all.
James followed two other baritones; he didn't sound half-bad in comparison. Remus watched as Sirius stepped up behind him, cleared his throat, and tossed his hair back, cocky and annoyingly good-looking as usual; Remus sat back, expecting to hear him sing a verse of "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen", which he'd been practising, loudly, in the showers for three days.
He had to choke back a laugh of disbelief as what came out was the opening notes of "Rule Britannia."

Link to story: archive.skyehawke.com/...php?no=743

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I'll be a good little girl and go ahead with my recs, since it seems we've all been MIA. Missed us? *laughs*

Title: Distractions
Author: Elsha
Genre: General
Pairing(s) (if applicable)/Character(s): OC/Theodore Nott
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Spoilers: Post OoTP, so anything before that.
Summary: Theodore Nott would like to forget a future he doesn't want - and music has always provided a distraction. Anne Fairleigh just wants the chance to practice her flute in peace. But a chance friendship between pureblood Slytherin and Muggle-born Hufflepuff soon raises the very questions Theodore has been avoiding and Anne never thought to ask.
Why I am recommending this fic: A rather interesting look at Slytherin and Hufflepuf houses through the eyes of an OC, and a character we barely know, and a mesmerizing tale of how friendship can turn to romance, and how some people can make you question what you've always thought was right. It's a strange combination, I'll admit, a Hufflepuf and a Slytherin, but strangely enough, it works. If you're a fan of Slytherin House, or of Hufflepuf, I suggest you give this a try. And, if, like me, you just can't believe it works ...try it out too, you'll be surprised.
Excerpt:

For the first time he stopped, sounding uncertain. "He's very … vehement about it all, you know. He … really dislikes Muggles very much. I agreed with him, but, coming here, there are some of you who aren’t so bad … you’re almost like us -" He cut off very abruptly. "Anyway, what are you doing? You were playing. Go on."

Anne’s patience was worn very thin by this point. He’d just come in here, insulted her, and expected her to keep playing like it was some sort of performance –

"No," she said in a very small voice.

"What?" He looked utterly taken aback. As if the question of her refusal - or even her opinion - had not crossed his mind.

"I said no." She raised her head slightly, and met his eyes. "I – I‘m playing for me, and I would prefer it if – if you left. Please. I don’t want to be – you to stand here and talk to me like – go. Please go, now. Or I – I won’t play anymore, if you do stay." He was staring, now, but he recovered enough to eye her with a disturbing amount of disdain.

"Fine. Play for yourself, little Hufflepuff. Why should I care?"

With that he was gone. It was several minutes before Anne felt sure enough to start playing again, and then she did not stop for half an hour or more. The music was soothing, distracting. The way he’d looked at her, what he’d said …

She felt like she wasn’t quite human to him. That was more than unnerving.

Link to story: Distractions

Try also:
Discussions
Distintctions
Disadvantages
Disavowals

Title: Island Post
Author: MaidMarian
Genre: Humor
Pairing(s) (if applicable)/Character(s): Harry/Ginny
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Spoilers: Written before OotP.
Summary: Molly Weasley gets an eye opening Owl when Ginny doesn't return home from a date with Harry.

Why I am recommending this fic: One of the funniest H/G fics ever, this fic is one of those you always turn back to when you're feeling down, or when you've had a bad day and you just need a pick-up. A simple misunderstanding, handled brilliantly, and a bundle of laughter. Just one recomendation, don't drink/eat anything while reading this. It could turn out to be a mess!

Excerpt:

It was beautiful Mum, we were outside, under a canopy of palm trees. The wind was blowing gently, and the sun was just about to set. I was surrounded by roses and lily’s, and I wore a gorgeous robe. Harry had picked it out for me; the fabric was so sheer and lovely, it almost felt as if I had nothing on. The music was so soft and it soothed to my nerves. Yes, can you believe, I was nervous and Harry was too! I don’t know why. I’ve dreamed of this for ages, and I always knew Harry would be the one. He’s been the only one for me for years. You knew that Mum, you knew Harry and I would be together one day!


Yes, sweetheart, I knew. I just didn’t think you’d write me about it!


It was wonderful, but you’ll see that for yourself. Tell Daddy we had it recorded, and Harry will show him how to view it when we get back. The Concierge said everyone video tapes down here!


Oh, dear, this is not happening. Harry Potter what did you do to my shy, modest daughter? When I get a hold of those two...

Link to story: Island Post

Here, a lot later than originally planned, are a few of my fave Christmas fics!

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Title: 'Twas The Night Before Christmas
Author: Atropos
Link to Author's LJ/Website etc: www.sugarquill.net/ind...amp;id=815
Genre: Romance
Pairing(s)/Character(s): RL/SB
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Spoilers: Up to OotP
Summary: 'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house not a creature was stirring except a werewolf on a shopping expedition and an overenthusiastic Animagus armed with silver paper and tinsel. The festive spirit leads to some frank conversation, but what will they have to say to each other after all this time?
Why I am recommending this fic: I came across this fic when trying to find pieces for our Crossover Challenge - unfortunately the author appears to be incommunicado so we couldn't use it, so I'm reccing it here instead! I love the humour in this fic which is interwoven with some sharply poignant moments. I like the tiny details, such as the singing desserts and Sirius' illegible writing, which help to bring the piece alive. I love the interaction between Remus and Sirius, and the hints of the long history they share. In short, it's a lovely, heart-warming yuletide fic.
Excerpt: “Oh, come on Moony, please! It’ll be fun.”

Remus continued reading the paper, in an attempt to ignore the man sitting opposite him. It didn’t work. “No Sirius, absolutely not,” he said wearily, looking up. “You know it’s far too dangerous after Lucius saw you at Kings Cross. A huge black dog slinking into Flourish and Blotts is definitely going to call attention to itself.” Remus could tell by Sirius’ expression that his logical arguments were having no impact whatsoever. He decided to battle onwards regardless. “Anyway, how in Merlin’s name are you going to make it clear what you want? You’ll just end up drooling all over the books.”

“Padfoot can be very communicative when he wants to be.” Sirius was grinning broadly now, clearly enjoying the exchange. “And - if you come with me we won’t have that problem.”

“Have you gone deaf?” Remus said through slightly gritted teeth. “I have already clearly stated that I am not going to Diagon Alley tomorrow and neither are you.”

"Moony, please. How can we have all these people in the house for Christmas and not have presents for them? Please lovely, charming, kind, wonderful Moony?"

Remus looked at his friend across the kitchen table and rolled his eyes. Sirius was trying out ‘that’ look – the one with the big droopy doggy eyes that Remus had always been completely undone by – the one that Remus hadn’t seen since…before everything. Before Azkaban’s dementors had worn down the young man he had known into the man who sat before him now.
Link to story: www.sugarquill.net/rea...p;chapno=1

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Title: The Gift
Author: Madilayn
Link to Author's LJ/Website etc: www.fanfiction.net/u/373643/
Genre: Humour
Pairing(s)/Character(s): RL/SB, JP/LE
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Christmas Day with the Potters, and Sirius and Remus unwrap their presents.
Why I am recommending this fic: The word for this ficlet is FUN. It's about the presents Sirius and Remus get for each other and how Sirius has the strangest ideas about what's suitable...
Excerpt: The package was large. Very large. And surprisingly hard. It was also wrapped in a plastic bag with a bow stuck to it. Sirius. Only Sirius was too impatient to wrap a present.

He ripped the plastic, and was delighted to find that underneath was actually a rather nicely wrapped parcel.

Remus carefully picked off the tape, and unwrapped it, only to immediately slam the paper shut again as the contents were revealed.

"Sirius!"

Sirius looked innocent. His eyes were wide, and his gaze direct. He didn't fool anybody.

"What on earth possessed you?"

"I like it."
Link to story: www.fanfiction.net/s/1631856/1/

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Title: You Can't Go Home Again
Author: Winter Dragon
Link to Author's LJ/Website etc: www.livejournal.com/us...r_dragona/
Genre: Drama/Angst
Pairing(s)/Character(s): The Weasleys
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: Up to HBP
Summary: Christmas at the Burrow - from Percy Weasley's point of view.
Why I am recommending this fic: This fic is completely different to the rest and describes the events of Christmas from Percy's perspective. This fic is one of those that makes you think about what a character's motivation is and whether you agree with what the author is suggesting. For me, this fic raises interesting questions about Percy, his family and how things could have been so different. Fascinating stuff.
Excerpt: he wasn't popular like Bill, he wasn't a Quidditch hero like Charlie, he wasn't funny like Fred and George, and even his baby brother Ron had the distinction of being Harry Potter's best friend, while he... he worked, and slaved, and tried to be perfect, but no one ever noticed except his mother.
Link to story: www.fictionalley.org/a...HA01a.html

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Oh, here be holiday fics, a little late, but hey ...you can still read them!

Title: Same Situation
Author: Tosca
Genre: Angst, Romance
Pairing(s) (if applicable)/Character(s): H/G
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Spoilers: Post OoTP, so anything before that.
Summary: It's the same situation every year, and Ginny can't bear to see him with his girlfriends anymore. Is it worth her while to go home when she feels so alone? A songfic based on Joni Mitchell's "Same Situation."
Why I am recommending this fic: I'm not usually a fan of songfics, though I would hesitate to call this one a songfic, instead I like to think of it as a fic taht ocasionally burts into song. *giggles* The angst is perfectly carried out, it's not the end of the world, it's just love ...and at the same time, it's not something to push aside, either, because it really, really hurts. The author understands that subtle distinction, and provides us with a heart-warming romance, with the touch of angst, just in time for Christmas!
Excerpt:

She smoothed her robes, looking over her appearance in the full-length mirror in her bathroom. She was pale, nervous; she didn't want to go home for Christmas this year. She never wanted to go home for Christmas. She loved her family, but she couldn't bear to see him anymore.

It was the same situation: he would bring his latest girlfriend to The Burrow, and the Weasleys would welcome her with open arms, their gazes always darting to the youngest child for a reaction. She never let them see her hurt; she was pleasant to both Harry and his girlfriend. She didn't have a reason not to be, from an outsider's point of view; all of the girls he dated were Hogwarts alumnae, and she knew them well.

She hated them. She hated him for bringing them. Mrs. Weasley had told him from the very beginning that he could, since all her boys did. And ever since the end of the Second War almost four years ago, he had. All of them were beautiful, graceful, and intelligent; none of them held the scars she did. Of course, they had all gone through the war together, but no one had her suffering.


Link to story: Same Situation

Try also:
Long time coming


Title: Mr. Chudley and Ginny's Magical Christmas
Author: Poppy P
Genre: General
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Spoilers: Written before OotP.
Summary: Christmas at the Weasley's. Molly worries about her daughter's lack of magic until an incident involving Ron, Fred and George, sets her mind to rest.

Why I am recommending this fic: It's just magical! If a fic ever captured the spirit of Christmas, and of magic, it was this. Reading it leaves me in high spirits, and in the proper mindset to believe in everything ...including magic.

Excerpt:

A loud wailing dragged her away from her tumultuous thoughts. Ron and Ginny’s tranquil make-believe had been shattered by the sudden and noisy appearance of Fred and George barreling through the living room on their little brooms. George had stomped through Ginny’s tea party, scattering the little teacups and saucers. Of course, none of them broke as they were enchanted, but Ginny cried out in dismay at the ruins of her little party.

Meanwhile, Fred had swooped on Ron, pulling his little brown teddy bear out of his arms. "Oy George! Heads up! Here comes a Bludger!" Fred pitched the bear at his twin, over Ron’s head.

George punched the stuffed animal in mid-air and sent it sailing back towards Fred. Just as Fred reach out to catch the bear, Ron barreled into him, slamming both of them to the floor in a tangle of limbs. They rolled precariously close to the Christmas tree.

"Boys! You stop that this instant!" shouted Molly over the fray. Ginny was struggling against George who was holding her arms behind her back to prevent her from running to Ron’s aid.



Link to story: Mr. Chudley and Ginny's Magical Christmas

It never rains but it pours...Here is a nice bit of Snupin! And it's not even PRON! *hears Moon's body hit the floor as she faints dead away from shock*

Title: The nine lives of Severus Snape
Author:thetreacletart
Link to Author's LJ/Website etc: www.livejournal.com/us...nfections/
Genre: Slash, humour
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Snape/Lupin
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: none
Spoilers:none
Summary: Snape is surprised by his animagus form, but learns that almost everything can be used to one's advantage if one is clever enough.
Excerpt: Severus Snape considered being indebted to Sirius Black much the same as being castrated-- fundamentally painful and not something one would eagerly allow to occur. But as he admired his new form in his grandfather's antique mirror, he couldn't help but feel somewhat beholden to said convict; were it not for the fact that Black was an Animagus, Snape would never have attempted to learn the transfiguration himself. "If that dense, dysfunctional derelict could learn to do this, so can I," he would rant night after night as he attempted to perfect the spell.


LINK: The Nine Lives of Severus Snape