Written for the merry_smutmas challenge this is a long, plotty story that really takes the time to develop Snape in a way that I love and shows the evolution of his relationship with Harry. Also, this is a future-fic set after the end of the war.

The Fourth Year

This is lovely and complex and perfectly paced. It goes AU somewhere in the 5th book and it feels natural and not at all squicky the entire time. I like this Severus and this Harry a lot, they’re mature and hesitant and interesting.

Split Tongue Spirit

This is sort of a qualified rec. I enjoyed the story – to a point – but there were definitely some aspects that annoyed me in terms of characterization. 6 years after the war ends Harry takes a teaching postion at Hogwarts and decides to spend his off hours seducing Severus Snape. (Pre-Half Blood Prince.)

Filtered Past Boredom

Another lengthy, plotty post-war fic. I like the buildup to Harry and Severus’ relationship, and the side cast, especially Hermione, is particularly good.

The Mark of Cain

This is a lot darker of a story, there’s sex magic, and plans to end the war, and it all comes together in this intense, fascinating package.

Elemental Magic

I’ve been talking about interesting use of magic in my previous recs but this story takes the cake. Tara’s got a great feel for progression and while the story is interesting, the setting is amazingly detailed and vibrant.

Hall Of the Mountain Kings

Hmmm, okay this story is like, incredibly long, and it’s a crossover with, wait for it, Queer as Folk US. It drags at times, could probably have used some good editing, but overall it’s really a good story. I especially like Lamardeuse’s use of magic in the story.

A Taste of Liberty

This story totally blew me away. It begins with the somewhat clichéd Severus-teaches-Harry-the-dark-arts thing and just as quickly proves that it is not, in fact, at all typical. This story is dark and subersive, and if you ever like a bit of ambiguity and moral relativism in your fics (which I so do) this is perfect.

Crucius

chan warning Uh. Oh man I should not be reccing this but it’s. Well hell, if you already like this pairing you’ll probably be okay with the fact that Harry is incredibly fucking young in this story. Even so it’s good and definitely worth reading.

The Devil Will Drag You Under Part 1 Part 2

This is beautiful. It’s dark and hopeful and passionate all at the same time. Lovely.

Making Due

Resonant is one of my favorite Harry/Draco writers because of Transfigurations, and this is a huge departure for her (or, actually, maybe Transfigurations was.) Either way this story is sparse and natural and so amazing because it just feels right.

The Familiar Wellspring

Aucta Sinistra is quickly becoming one of those authors I know I can count on for a good, long read with strong characterization and good plotting.

Quid Pro Quo

Oh man, this story is both long and wonderful. Seriously, it’s great, plot-rich with really cool magical theory and curses.

A Choriambic Progression

Fucking awesome story. It’s long and such a lovely take on Harry and magic and occlumency clichés. Wonderful details, the author has a great feel for the magical world.

Penance is the Play

Post-Hogwarts futurefic. The war is over, but all of the magic in Britain is gone with it. How do the characters cope living as muggles, can they ever rebuild what’s been lost? The magic in this is absolutely fantastic.

Severus and the Crup

This is a really interesting take on the Harry/Snape dynamic. Harry is powerful and Snape reacts. It’s — the characterization is different from fandom norm and I really like that about this story.

Protean Charm

The dynamic in this story is amazing. Harry’s grown up enough to not twinge my slightly tempermental squick-meter out and Snape is perfectly Snape, just a little more human. The story is long, intense, detailed and best of all, plotted, complete with new magic. [note: you may need a password to access these stories, just go here and follow the directions.]

Scratch The Holly and the Ivy