Three HP Must-Reads

[marzipan77]

These authors inspire me, hit me in the sweet-spot of my favorite tropes, favorite friendship/relationships, and have unique insights into a fandom that has been covered by fanfic fairly thoroughly. Beautiful stories. Great characterizations. Long. Plotty. Lots of Severus and Harry GEN interaction. This is my jam. I hope you read and leave comments for the great authors.

WARNING: The first story isn't finished. Yet. (I hope the author finds a place and time and peace of mind in order to continue it. It would be a rare gift to the fandom.)

Crime and Punishment by mlocatis on fanfiction.net. Crime

Author's summary: "Harry is accused of burglary. The Dursleys leave him to rot. Dumbledore sends Snape to remedy the situation. Harry finds himself in the care of an irate Snape. Not slash, gen-fic w/ focus on Sevitus-like relationship. Angst galore. Warnings: some language, mentions of abuse/neglect, alcohol use."

Angry, misunderstood Harry. Nasty, disbelieving Snape. That's the combo I love. Gradual - and I do mean gradual, it's 122,000 words without being finished - change in attitudes. I keep re-reading it because I have to!

Harry Potter and the Problem of Potions by Wyste on AO3.
Potions

Author's summary: "Once upon a time, Harry Potter hid for two hours from Dudley in a chemistry classroom, while a nice graduate student explained about the scientific method and interesting facts about acids. A pebble thrown into the water causes ripples. Contains, in no particular order: magic candymaking, Harry falling in love with a house, evil kitten Draco Malfoy, and Hermione attempting to apply logic to the wizarding world."

Complete rewrite with a unique voice, a complex Harry without a lot of the usual baggage, a Draco that is believable - and that's saying a lot since I usually don't like Draco-redeemed arcs - and a Snape who never breaks character. Holy Moses this one is freaking genius. Oh, and did I mention that Ron has an actual role and is useful?

A Marauder's Plan by CatsareCool (Rachel500) on AO3.
Marauder's

Author summary: "What if Sirius decided to stay in England and deliver on his promise to raise Harry instead of hiding somewhere sunny? Changes abound with that one decision...Covers alternative 4th Year/Goblet of Fire and therefore does not follow canon religiously. Pairings: Harry/Hermione is the main pairing. All others are surprises so read at your own risk - although I will say there are a number which follow canon. There are many warnings - please read them."

One of my favorite ways to think about HP is this: what if the adults actually acted like adults? What if they helped the students, talked to them, made them part of the entire struggle with knowledge and appropriate roles? This Sirius is marvelous. Tough and cool and utterly ruthless. Long and meaty and with plenty of time for everyone.

I am in awe of these authors. If you're an HP fan, please take a look. But clear your schedule first because you aren't going to want to put them down.

Comments

[paulamcg]

Your recs look excellent. I’ve actually clicked only the third link so far; I particularly like the premise of that fic (but I’d be happier to read and review, if I could expect the writer to reply). And I noticed in your earlier post that you wish for fics without sidetracking into any love life. Perhaps I’ve somehow given up on that, although the long fic I wrote in 2003 – 2010 focused on getting the job done and included only a bit of implied past romance. I’d be happy to add you if you don’t mind.

[marzipan77]

Happy to find new HP buddies! Add away! Yes, a little pairing up is fine as it is rather like real life, but reading stories that are primarily romances is not for me.