Guide to Completed SSHG Epics (HBP-era)
I mentioned in a previous post a friend had mentioned she hadn’t read a lengthy post-HBP SSHG story that matched the old classics, which left me to scurry to catch up on my reading to see if she was right. I searched through FanfictionNet, AdultFanfiction, Restricted Section, Ashwinder, Petulant Poetess and OWL.
Below is listed every single completed SSHG story I could find of over 100,001+ words posted after July 15, 2005 and before July 21, 2007. I don’t mean to exclude any author or story, so if you know of a completed epic SSHG that started posting during the HBP era not listed here, let me know.
I also later did other guides:
SSHG HBP Novels - Complete Guide - over 40,000 and less than 100,000 words
SSHG HBP Novellas - Complete Guide - over 10,000 and less than 40,000 words
SSHG HBP Short Stories - Select Guide - under 10,001 words
SSHG HBP Drabbles - Select Guide - exactly 100 words or multiple of 100
SSHG HBP WIPs - Partial List - unfinished stories
I put a star next to the ones I personally liked (I tried all below) and otherwise noted those recognized by awards and rec sites like the Multifaceteds, Quill to Parchment (QtP), Know It Alls (KIA) and crack_broom, as well as the sshg_awards to highlight those that you might find worthwhile checking out.
There are, of course, several works in progress that may yet reach epic length and be completed that ultimately will belong on this list. So, in the order in which they were posted:
HBP-Compliant SSHG Epics
1)
jocemum (Jocemum), Tea and Sympathy (PG) 116,615 words
Publish Date: 7/18/2005
Genres: Drama, Adventure
Alt Link: http://owl.tauri.org/stories.php?psid=1209
Summary: Post-HBP. Hermione is helping remove all traces of the Order from the compromised Headquarters when the traitor returns...
Recs: KIA, crack_broom, sshg_awards (nominee - Adventure)
2) ladysilverangel (SilverAngel99), Burning Boils (PG-13) 113,587 words
Publish Date: 7/23/2005
Genres: Humor, Romance
Summary: It is the end of the 7th Hermione is overcome by a strange illness that can be cured by a potion. Unfortunately, Madam Pomfrey is ill as well, and Snape is called up to take care of the young Gryffindor. What happens when she needs his undivided attention?
3)
Leraiv Snape, Forbidden Fruit (R) 107,253 words
Publish Date: 7/27/2005
Genres: Drama, Angst, Romance, Adventure, Darkfic, AU
Alt Link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2505722/1/Forbidden_Fruit
Summary: Perhaps Dumbledore should have discouraged it instead of simply concealing it and allowing the two to take their course. Perhaps he should have forbidden it. But he had not. And now there was nothing he could do.
Note: This is marked complete, but really comes to a stop rather than an close as the author acknowledges in a note at the end. So go in knowing that you’re basically reading the first half of a work-in-progress. The sequel, Paradise Lost, has started posting.
Recs: KIA, crack_broom, sshg_awards (nominee - epic, Angst)
4) Dafina, Unlikely Partners (R) 101,683 words
Publish Date: 8/17/2005
Genres: Drama, Romance
Summary: A Post Half Blood Prince Hermione and Severus romance with a little side of RLNT. Full summary inside. An original story with multiple plot twists.
5) kabochon, Irresistible (R) 190,059 words
Publish Date: 10/18/2005
Genres: Drama, Romance, Darkfic, Angst
Summary: After an apocalyptic epiphany, Draco Malfoy falls in love with Hermione Granger. Severus Snape, however, has other plans.
Warning: This story deals with strong subject matter and contains scenes of violence.
Recs: sshg_awards (nominee - darkfic)
6) wartcap, Vanity (NC-17) 163,674 words
Publish Date: 11/23/2005
Genres: Humor, Romance, Adventure, Drama
Alt Link: http://owl.tauri.org/stories.php?psid=4522
Summary: Hermione travels back to 1977 and the consequences of her time travel may not be as you suspect. Returning to her own era, she is thrown into the events of the 'Half-Blood Prince' and the sixth book is re-written from her point of view. Will her visit to the past change the fortunes of Professor Snape?
Notes: MLC, Time-turner. There is a sequel in progress: Vanity: Hermione Granger and the Deeply Shallows
Recs: KIA, crack_broom, Multi-faceted Runner-up (Best Het Fic rated R or NC-17), sshg_awards (nominee - epic, AU)
7)
ladyofthemasque, In Annulo (NC-17) 364,830 words
Publish Date: 12/1/2005
Genres: Drama, Angst, Humor, Adventure, Romance, PWP, Darkfic
Alt Link: http://www.restrictedsection.org/story.php?story=1906
Summary: It began with a letter, and a secret. Was it madness to trust? Was it a secret salvation? Or was it all just lying on a ring, in the end...?
Warnings: Abuse/Rape, BDSM, Character Death, Explicit Sexual Content, Menage-a-Trois, Violence
Recs: KIA, crack_broom, fangirl_tour, Multi-faceted Runner-up (Best Original Character), sshg_awards (winner - epic, Adventure)
8) LadySnapey (Kiwi6498), The Last Heir (PG-13) 263,266 words
Publish Date: 1/2/2006
Genres: Angst, Romance
Alt Link: http://www.themasque.net/wiktt/efiction/viewstory.php?sid=1379&index=1
Summary: Eleven years after Hermione graduates, it's her daughter's turn to go to Hogwarts. But what will she do, because if her daughter goes, it jeopardizes her mostguarded secret the true identity of Janie's father. Through laughs and tears, anger and frustr
9) LadySnapey, All the way (R) 100,721 words
Publish Date: 2/5/2006
Genres: Angst, Romance
Summary: Hermione takes on every one to prove her former Professors innocence! But, can she handle his temper? How does Severus feel? And who else do they meet?
Note: There are 3 sequels that can be found on FFN.
10)
stormyskize, As the Pages Turn (PG) 119,987 words
Publish Date: 2/6/2006
Genres: Humor, AU, Romance, Adventure
Summary: Hermione, now a teacher at Hogwarts, is in the library, reading a book and minding her own business. Severus is on his rounds. When he sees Hermione sitting there, he mistakes her for a student. A confrontation ensues. The results are something neither of them could have predicted. Written in response to the WIKTT "Lost in a book" challenge by ladyofthemasque.
Recs: KIA, sshg_awards (nominee - AU)
11) ariadne1, A Walking Shadow (M) 132,449 words
Publish Date: 3/17/2006
Genres: Angst, Drama, Romance
Alt Link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2848602/1/A_Walking_Shadow
Summary: Hermione returns to Grimmauld Place, looking for answers. She wasn't expecting to find Severus Snape.
Recs: crack_broom, fangirl_tour, QtP Winner (Best Fanon Het) Runner Up (Best Trio Era), sshg_awards (nominee - Drama; Runner-Up - Epic), QtP Runner-Up (Best Novel-Length)
12) Dragon Fire10 (Ravenesque), Dark Angel (PG-13) 141,236 words
Publish Date: 5/3/2006
Genres: Romance, Darkfic
Alt Link: http://www.grangerenchanted.com/enchant/viewstory.php?sid=210&index=1
Summary: It all started with the cloaked figure in the window. From there Hermione learns there is no black and white in a war...only shades of grey and a dark angel that comes to her rescue...or does he?
13) lilmisblack, Saving Your Life, (NC-17) 243,558 words
Publish Date: 1/21/07
Last Update: 5/14/08 (57 ch)
Genres: Adventure, Darkfic, Drama, Romance, Angst
Alt Link 1: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3210262/1/Saving_your_life
Alt Link 2: http://hp.adultfanfiction.net/story.php?no=600008733
Summary: When Hermione is captured by Death Eaters, Severus knows there's only one way to save her."What are you doing?" she asked, her voice shaky. "Saving your life, " he said, just as he started kissing her neck.
Recs: QtP Runner-up (Fanon Het)
14) amr, Snape's Boon (R) 101,007 words
Publish Date: 6/3/2006
Genres: Angst, Drama, Romance
Summary: Hermione wakes up tired, sore, and injured, and tries to work out what’s happened to her.
Warning: Rape
Recs: fangirl_tour, sshg_awards (winner - Drama)
15)
Orm Irian, Shades (R) 132,528 words
Publish Date: 8/2/2006
Genres: Drama, Angst, Adventure, Romance, Darkfic
Alt Link 1: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3081440/1/Shades
Alt Link 2: http://owl.tauri.org/users.php?uid=9918&action=stories
Alt Link 3: http://www.thepetulantpoetess.com/viewstory.php?sid=4221
Summary: Post Half-Blood Prince. Harry, Ron and Hermione begin their search for Horcruxes, but an unexpected disaster strikes when Hermione is captured by Death Eaters! Will Hermione escape? Will Snape help her? Can she figure out which side Snape is really on? Romance in later chapters.
Warning: Violence
Recs: KIA, crack_broom, sshg_awards (nominee - Drama, Adventure)
16)
ladyofthemasque, Spinster (NC-17) 109,536 words
Publish Date: 10/17/2006 (on MoITWF Yahoo)
Genres: AU, PWP, Humor, Romance
Summary: You know what they say about a woman who prefers to live with her cat...
Recs: KIA
17) southernwitch69, Flight of the Prince (NC-17) 106,125 words
Publish Date: 10/29/2006
Genres: Romance, Adventure
Summary: Although on different sides of the war, Severus and Hermione work together, each for their own reasons. This is my take on the events following HBP and will lead up to the Dark Lord's demise.
18) ms_figg, A Living Secret (NC-17) 122,090 words
Publish Date: 1/17/2007
Genres: Romance, Adventure, Mystery
Alt Link: http://hp.adultfanfiction.net/story.php?no=600008687
Summary: There was a method to Dumbledore's death, and Hermione Granger discovers Snape is not the murderer they believe. Harry and the Potions Master must work together. Hermione's secret lust for the wizard is revealed.
Warnings: S/M, rough sex.
19)
elidyce (Dyce), Accountable (PG-13) 150,731 words
Publish Date: 1/18/2007
Genres: Drama, Romance
Summary: The war is over. Hermione Granger's life, while safer, is no less complicated. Victory has had unintended consequences which affect not only Hermione, but all those around her.
Recs: KIA, crack_broom, fangirl_tour, QtP Winner (Best Novel-Length), sshg_awards (nominee - epic, runner-up - Drama)
20) VIvian B, Chocolate Enchantment (R) 202,347 words
Publish Date: 4/28/2007
Genres: Romance, Drama, Adventure
Summary: When the Weasley twins decide Hogwarts could use a little love in times of war, Hermione Granger and Severus Snape get caught in the crossfire. As Severus Snape is pushed to fulfill his unbreakable vow, the two of them must work together to help the Order and Harry prepare for the final battle.
21) ttfs (Anastasia), Of Debts and Debt Collection (R) 180,445 words
Publish Date: 4/29/2007
Genres: Romance, Drama, Adventure
Alt Link 1: http://owl.tauri.org/stories.php?psid=2415
Alt Link 2: http://www.thepetulantpoetess.com/viewstory.php?sid=5075
Summary: A novel-length post HBP HG/SS romance adventure. What if Severus returned, trained Harry for the final battle and worked to destroy the final Horcruxes? Story is complete and will be updated regularly.
Note: There is a PWP off-shoot, “Entrance Hall”
Warnings: Character Death, Implied Character Death, Violence
Recs: fangirl_tour, sshg_awards (nominee - epic, Adventure), crack_broom
22)
SGCbearcub, Spellcaster, (NC-17) 151,078 words
Publish Date: 7/10/07
Genres: Drama, Angst
Summary: Hermione Granger was a witch. By the time she was done, the whole damned pureblood world was going to know it.
Note: MLC
Recs: KIA, fangirl_tour
23) SGTRJ, A Matter of Trust, (NC-17) 151,835 words
Publish Date: 7/10/07
Genres: Drama, Angst, Romance
Alt Link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2506887/1/A_Gift_of_Time
Summary: With the entire wizarding community convinced of his duplicity and guilt, Snape is forced to ally with a former student. As their relationship develops and the final confrontation with Voldemort looms, what choices will be made?
Non-HBP-Compliant SSHG Epics
1) subvers (Subversa), His Draught of Delicate Poison (G) 197,217 words
Publish Date: 8/26/2005
Genres: Romance, Drama, AU
Alt Link 1: http://www.thepetulantpoetess.com/viewstory.php?sid=2345
Alt Link 2: http://owl.tauri.org/stories.php?psid=2165
Summary: In the wake of the Final Battle, the Order has opened Headquarters to house its youngest members during a summer of Ministry-sponsored social events. With Snape as a chaperone, and engaged to another woman, the advent of a busy Hermione, determined to see her friends in love-matches, can only be a recipe for disaster.
Note: MLC; adaptation of Georgette Heyer’s Regency Romance The Grand Sophie.
Recs: KIA, crack_broom, fangirl_tour, Multi-faceted Winner (Best Challenge Response, Best Het Fic rated G to PG-13) QtP Winner (Judges Favorite - Genre), sshg_awards (runner-up - epic; winner - Romance)
2) mmestrange (Lady Strange), The Language of Flowers (PG-13) 140,609 words
Publish Date: 10/10/2005
Genres: Humor, Drama, Romance, AU
Summary: A polite romance and comedy of manners based loosely on the WIKTT “Regency Challenge”. This is intelligent fluff, or so I would like to think. It goes on for 22 chapters and has many pairings, HG/SS. AD/MM, LL/RW, HP/LB, RL/ST, NL/MB and so on. This is very AU and a little OOC.
3) sbrande, Everything I Do, I Do It For You (PG-13) 138,671 words
Publish Date: 11/8/2005
Genres: Adventure, AU
Alt Link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3179487/1/Everything_I_Do_I_Do_It_For_You
Summary: The Final Battle is over. Hermione is lost in a mental institution believed to be insane. Can Severus find her before it's too late? My answer to 'JoyCrux' Asylum Challenge. First fan fic. Dark Wizards and strange Empaths abound.
Recs: sshg_awards (runner-up - darkfic)
4) gypsy_morph (JenKM1216), It All Comes Down to Time (NC-17) 105,235 words
Publish Date: 11/26/2005
Genres: Romance, Drama, AU
Summary: In her seventh year, Hermione is accidentally transported nineteen years into the past where it is Severus Snape's seventh year. Against her better judgment, she begins a relationship with him.
Note: Time-turner
Recs: Multi-faceted Winner (Best Dramatic Fic, Best AU Fic), sshg_awards (nominee - AU)
5) ms_figg, A Maid in the Devil's Manor (NC-17) 106,831 words
Publish Date: 11/26/2005
Genres: Drama, Romance, AU
Summary: 24-year-old Hermione Granger is involved in private research to find a defense against the Killing Curse. After eight years, she runs into Professor Snape, who makes her an offer difficult to refuse.
Warning: M/M Rape
6) ms_figg, Inside the Blackest Heart (NC-17) 125,602 words
Publish Date: 12/9/2005
Genres: Darkfic, AU, Adventure
Summary: Snape embraces being a deatheater despite the Order. He warns Hermione off in no uncertain terms. Both end up guests of the Dark Lord. OOC Albus (evil),
Warnings: Rape, S&M, M/M/F
7) amr, The Lioness Prophecies (NC-17) 266,382 words
Publish Date: 12/18/2005
Genres: Romance, Adventure
Summary: On Valentine's Day of Harry Potter's sixth year, a new prophecy is heard which suggests that Severus Snape's marriage may offer great help in the war against Voldemort. Albus Dumbledore decides to take action to ensure that the prophecy comes about.
Recs: crack_broom, fangirl_tour, sshg_awards (nominee - epic)
8) averygoodun, She Married Her Choice, (NC-17) 188,762 words
Publish Date: 2/19/05
Genres: Humor, Angst, Romance
Alt Link 1: http://www.thepetulantpoetess.com/viewstory.php?sid=1589
Alt Link 2: http://owl.tauri.org/stories.php?psid=3712
Summary: Subtitled, When Porcupines Mate, this is the sequel and continuation of Marry A Choice Hermione's week continues its downward spiral as she deals with her decision.
Note: MLC
Recs: sshg_awards (nominee - WIP)
9) ms_figg, Disharmony in the Dungeons (NC-17) 107,740 words
Publish Date: 1/26/2006
Genres: Darkfic, AU, Drama
Summary: Severus has to marry Hermione. Severus' lovers aren't happy.
Note: MLC
Warnings: Lemons, violence, mutilation, sexual brutality, M/M rape. Character death. Oral, Anal
10) ms_figg, Daddy Dearest (NC-17) 290,841 words
Publish Date: 8/24/2006
Genres: AU, Adventure
Summary: SS a deadbeat dad and HG a single mother hide their son's parentage. He is sorted into Slytherin and has a powerful destiny to fulfill concerning the Dark Lord.
Warnings: Racism
11) ms_figg, Becoming Familiar with a Man of Misery (NC-17) 239,098 words
Publish Date: 8/29/2006
Genres: AU, Humor
Summary: A reluctant Severus Snape is ardently pursued by Hermione. A few tantrums, hexes, nasty spells and well-placed knees later an understanding is reached...sort of.
12) ms_figg, You Promised It Would Be Forever (NC-17) 120,053 words
Publish Date: 8/30/2006
Genres: AU, Angst, Drama
Summary: Severus and Hermione divorce after a tragic miscarriage. Voldemort kidnaps Hermione and the couple discover things were not what they seemed. Revenge is the only answer. Deep topics.
13) ms_figg, The Makeover (NC-17) 128,934 words
Publish Date: 9/4/2006
Genres: AU, Drama, Adventure, Romance
Alt Link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4963228/1/The_Makeover
Summary: 25 year old Hermione Granger wins a free makeover. She is also working on a way to stop the Phantom Summons left over after Voldemort's death. Professor Snape is her lab niffler but willing to do more experimentation outside the Mark.
14) ms_figg, Walking the Gray Line (NC-17) 167,768 words
Publish Date: 9/22/2006
Genres: AU, Drama, Angst, Darkfic
Summary: Hermione needs Dark Magic to restore Harry's broken soul. Unfortunately, the books of Dark Magic needed are in the clutches of a very cold and bitter Severus Snape, who is not know for his generosity or helpfulness.
Warnings: Rape
15) ms_figg, A Song for Severus (NC-17) 228,960 words
Publish Date: 12/11/2006
Genres: AU, Adventure, Romance
Summary: A haunting tune reminds Hermione of her difficulties with absent lover, Severus Snape. Bellatrix LeStrange has hatched a dastardly plot that threatens the wizarding world. DM/OFC, RL/OFC
Warning: Violence
16) ms_figg, A Turn for the Better (NC-17) 177,577 words
Publish Date: 12/11/2006
Genres: AU, Adventure, Romance, Mystery, Fantasy
Alt Link 1: http://hp.adultfanfiction.net/story.php?no=600008444
Alt Link 2: http://www.grangerenchanted.com/enchant/viewstory.php?sid=816&index=1
Summary: Hermione goes back in time to convince a young Severus Snape not to assist Tom Riddle. Now, life at Hogwarts has completely changed
Note: Time-turner
17) octgreenfrog, New Beginnings (PG-13) 108,333 words
Publish Date: 2/22/07
Genres: Drama, Romance
Summary: It has been 3 years since the Final Battle and Harry, Ron and Hermione still have not had the closure they all need due to their actions of the war. HG/SS, AU. This is now complete.
18) HermioneSparta, The Majestic Secret (R) 247,927 words
Publish Date: 3/8/2007
Genres: AU, Angst, Romance
Summary: Everyone has secrets. Some are larger than others, while some are deadlier...
Note: There is a sequel, The Majest Battles
19) Dragons Quill, The Phoenix, the Raven & Prince Charming? (R) 161,882 words
Publish Date: 5/9/2007
Genres: Drama, Romance
Summary: The war is over and Dumbledore has laid the groundworks for things to come. Hermione is back at Hogwarts and Severus has been lassoed into helping her with her own project. What will happen when a new marriage law is passed and a horse gets in the way?
Note: MLC. There is a sequel, Raising Phoenix
Warning: Rape
I have to admit-I feel my friend has a point. I was surprised to find only 36 completed epic-length SSHG. This is a pairing that prides itself on its epics-and frankly needs them. I think it’s fair to say the people on my f-list are hooked on the pairing already. So maybe you’ve forgotten already your initial shock when you heard it existed-that you had to be sold. And in that length helps. When people wax nostalgic about what story brought them into the fandom, it’s usually the epics that are mentioned-Fire and the Rose, Soul Searching, Heart Over Mind, Falling Further In, Hinge of Fate, Tyger! Tyger!.
But what really shocked me was that only about half were canon-compliant. That’s truly sad. I know HBP was a jolt. I know some didn’t like that Snape was revealed to not be a pureblood nor to-the-manor-born, or didn’t like he had to kill Dumbledore. But think-what does it take to sell you to a pairing, especially an unlikely one? Essentially, you have to make the two main characters recognizable, at least enough so that it can live in a reader’s mind beside the canon ones. To make Snape rich or a pureblood with a Snape or Prince Manor or jazzed-up Spinner’s End is like making Spock of Star Trek a full Vulcan, Darcy an Irish-American who grew up in the slums of Olde New York, or removing House’s limp.
Now, I can see an occasional place for that-the true AU, where you work out all the things that would be different if say House didn’t have a bum leg. Or adaptations-like say where you take Romeo and Juliet of Verona and make them Tony and Maria of New York City’s Upper West Side. But few HBP “AUs” are really of this sort. They don’t examine how things would be different if things were Y-they just ignore canon. And I can’t believe that doing that half the time (or often at all) is healthy for the ship.
You ignore Snape’s origins or his turning point where he had to kill Dumbledore, you’re stripping the character of his very identity and what makes him recognizable (and often sympathetic, understandable and admirable). Though you may keep people already in your ship, any new readers are likely to shake their head and snort and wonder where is Snape and what have you done with him? I think that’s why, as a post-HBP reader, I found the non-compliant HBP stories so very unsatisfying. The truth is, I found the Snapes of authors like Abby, Anne, Quillusion, among others, who did not write Aristo!Snape, more recognizable than many a Snape I’ve sampled written post-HBP. I hope we can do better with Deathly Hallows-EWE notwithstanding.
There are some lovely fics here. I love Dyce’s Accountable-and felt privileged to have seen Dyce develop it (often before my eyes on YIM) and to have helped beta it. Because of this little project, I also came across stories to love I had overlooked before, such as Orm Irian’s Shades. I didn’t expect to like Shades at all-outside my comfort zone-as was Leraiv Snape’s Forbidden Fruit-I’m going to eagerly follow that story’s continuation.
Below is listed every single completed SSHG story I could find of over 100,001+ words posted after July 15, 2005 and before July 21, 2007. I don’t mean to exclude any author or story, so if you know of a completed epic SSHG that started posting during the HBP era not listed here, let me know.
I also later did other guides:
SSHG HBP Novels - Complete Guide - over 40,000 and less than 100,000 words
SSHG HBP Novellas - Complete Guide - over 10,000 and less than 40,000 words
SSHG HBP Short Stories - Select Guide - under 10,001 words
SSHG HBP Drabbles - Select Guide - exactly 100 words or multiple of 100
SSHG HBP WIPs - Partial List - unfinished stories
I put a star next to the ones I personally liked (I tried all below) and otherwise noted those recognized by awards and rec sites like the Multifaceteds, Quill to Parchment (QtP), Know It Alls (KIA) and crack_broom, as well as the sshg_awards to highlight those that you might find worthwhile checking out.
There are, of course, several works in progress that may yet reach epic length and be completed that ultimately will belong on this list. So, in the order in which they were posted:
HBP-Compliant SSHG Epics
1)
jocemum (Jocemum), Tea and Sympathy (PG) 116,615 words
Publish Date: 7/18/2005
Genres: Drama, Adventure
Alt Link: http://owl.tauri.org/stories.php?psid=1209
Summary: Post-HBP. Hermione is helping remove all traces of the Order from the compromised Headquarters when the traitor returns...
Recs: KIA, crack_broom, sshg_awards (nominee - Adventure)
2) ladysilverangel (SilverAngel99), Burning Boils (PG-13) 113,587 words
Publish Date: 7/23/2005
Genres: Humor, Romance
Summary: It is the end of the 7th Hermione is overcome by a strange illness that can be cured by a potion. Unfortunately, Madam Pomfrey is ill as well, and Snape is called up to take care of the young Gryffindor. What happens when she needs his undivided attention?
3)
Leraiv Snape, Forbidden Fruit (R) 107,253 words
Publish Date: 7/27/2005
Genres: Drama, Angst, Romance, Adventure, Darkfic, AU
Alt Link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2505722/1/Forbidden_Fruit
Summary: Perhaps Dumbledore should have discouraged it instead of simply concealing it and allowing the two to take their course. Perhaps he should have forbidden it. But he had not. And now there was nothing he could do.
Note: This is marked complete, but really comes to a stop rather than an close as the author acknowledges in a note at the end. So go in knowing that you’re basically reading the first half of a work-in-progress. The sequel, Paradise Lost, has started posting.
Recs: KIA, crack_broom, sshg_awards (nominee - epic, Angst)
4) Dafina, Unlikely Partners (R) 101,683 words
Publish Date: 8/17/2005
Genres: Drama, Romance
Summary: A Post Half Blood Prince Hermione and Severus romance with a little side of RLNT. Full summary inside. An original story with multiple plot twists.
5) kabochon, Irresistible (R) 190,059 words
Publish Date: 10/18/2005
Genres: Drama, Romance, Darkfic, Angst
Summary: After an apocalyptic epiphany, Draco Malfoy falls in love with Hermione Granger. Severus Snape, however, has other plans.
Warning: This story deals with strong subject matter and contains scenes of violence.
Recs: sshg_awards (nominee - darkfic)
6) wartcap, Vanity (NC-17) 163,674 words
Publish Date: 11/23/2005
Genres: Humor, Romance, Adventure, Drama
Alt Link: http://owl.tauri.org/stories.php?psid=4522
Summary: Hermione travels back to 1977 and the consequences of her time travel may not be as you suspect. Returning to her own era, she is thrown into the events of the 'Half-Blood Prince' and the sixth book is re-written from her point of view. Will her visit to the past change the fortunes of Professor Snape?
Notes: MLC, Time-turner. There is a sequel in progress: Vanity: Hermione Granger and the Deeply Shallows
Recs: KIA, crack_broom, Multi-faceted Runner-up (Best Het Fic rated R or NC-17), sshg_awards (nominee - epic, AU)
7)
ladyofthemasque, In Annulo (NC-17) 364,830 words
Publish Date: 12/1/2005
Genres: Drama, Angst, Humor, Adventure, Romance, PWP, Darkfic
Alt Link: http://www.restrictedsection.org/story.php?story=1906
Summary: It began with a letter, and a secret. Was it madness to trust? Was it a secret salvation? Or was it all just lying on a ring, in the end...?
Warnings: Abuse/Rape, BDSM, Character Death, Explicit Sexual Content, Menage-a-Trois, Violence
Recs: KIA, crack_broom, fangirl_tour, Multi-faceted Runner-up (Best Original Character), sshg_awards (winner - epic, Adventure)
8) LadySnapey (Kiwi6498), The Last Heir (PG-13) 263,266 words
Publish Date: 1/2/2006
Genres: Angst, Romance
Alt Link: http://www.themasque.net/wiktt/efiction/viewstory.php?sid=1379&index=1
Summary: Eleven years after Hermione graduates, it's her daughter's turn to go to Hogwarts. But what will she do, because if her daughter goes, it jeopardizes her mostguarded secret the true identity of Janie's father. Through laughs and tears, anger and frustr
9) LadySnapey, All the way (R) 100,721 words
Publish Date: 2/5/2006
Genres: Angst, Romance
Summary: Hermione takes on every one to prove her former Professors innocence! But, can she handle his temper? How does Severus feel? And who else do they meet?
Note: There are 3 sequels that can be found on FFN.
10)
stormyskize, As the Pages Turn (PG) 119,987 words
Publish Date: 2/6/2006
Genres: Humor, AU, Romance, Adventure
Summary: Hermione, now a teacher at Hogwarts, is in the library, reading a book and minding her own business. Severus is on his rounds. When he sees Hermione sitting there, he mistakes her for a student. A confrontation ensues. The results are something neither of them could have predicted. Written in response to the WIKTT "Lost in a book" challenge by ladyofthemasque.
Recs: KIA, sshg_awards (nominee - AU)
11) ariadne1, A Walking Shadow (M) 132,449 words
Publish Date: 3/17/2006
Genres: Angst, Drama, Romance
Alt Link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2848602/1/A_Walking_Shadow
Summary: Hermione returns to Grimmauld Place, looking for answers. She wasn't expecting to find Severus Snape.
Recs: crack_broom, fangirl_tour, QtP Winner (Best Fanon Het) Runner Up (Best Trio Era), sshg_awards (nominee - Drama; Runner-Up - Epic), QtP Runner-Up (Best Novel-Length)
12) Dragon Fire10 (Ravenesque), Dark Angel (PG-13) 141,236 words
Publish Date: 5/3/2006
Genres: Romance, Darkfic
Alt Link: http://www.grangerenchanted.com/enchant/viewstory.php?sid=210&index=1
Summary: It all started with the cloaked figure in the window. From there Hermione learns there is no black and white in a war...only shades of grey and a dark angel that comes to her rescue...or does he?
13) lilmisblack, Saving Your Life, (NC-17) 243,558 words
Publish Date: 1/21/07
Last Update: 5/14/08 (57 ch)
Genres: Adventure, Darkfic, Drama, Romance, Angst
Alt Link 1: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3210262/1/Saving_your_life
Alt Link 2: http://hp.adultfanfiction.net/story.php?no=600008733
Summary: When Hermione is captured by Death Eaters, Severus knows there's only one way to save her."What are you doing?" she asked, her voice shaky. "Saving your life, " he said, just as he started kissing her neck.
Recs: QtP Runner-up (Fanon Het)
14) amr, Snape's Boon (R) 101,007 words
Publish Date: 6/3/2006
Genres: Angst, Drama, Romance
Summary: Hermione wakes up tired, sore, and injured, and tries to work out what’s happened to her.
Warning: Rape
Recs: fangirl_tour, sshg_awards (winner - Drama)
15)
Orm Irian, Shades (R) 132,528 words
Publish Date: 8/2/2006
Genres: Drama, Angst, Adventure, Romance, Darkfic
Alt Link 1: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3081440/1/Shades
Alt Link 2: http://owl.tauri.org/users.php?uid=9918&action=stories
Alt Link 3: http://www.thepetulantpoetess.com/viewstory.php?sid=4221
Summary: Post Half-Blood Prince. Harry, Ron and Hermione begin their search for Horcruxes, but an unexpected disaster strikes when Hermione is captured by Death Eaters! Will Hermione escape? Will Snape help her? Can she figure out which side Snape is really on? Romance in later chapters.
Warning: Violence
Recs: KIA, crack_broom, sshg_awards (nominee - Drama, Adventure)
16)
ladyofthemasque, Spinster (NC-17) 109,536 words
Publish Date: 10/17/2006 (on MoITWF Yahoo)
Genres: AU, PWP, Humor, Romance
Summary: You know what they say about a woman who prefers to live with her cat...
Recs: KIA
17) southernwitch69, Flight of the Prince (NC-17) 106,125 words
Publish Date: 10/29/2006
Genres: Romance, Adventure
Summary: Although on different sides of the war, Severus and Hermione work together, each for their own reasons. This is my take on the events following HBP and will lead up to the Dark Lord's demise.
18) ms_figg, A Living Secret (NC-17) 122,090 words
Publish Date: 1/17/2007
Genres: Romance, Adventure, Mystery
Alt Link: http://hp.adultfanfiction.net/story.php?no=600008687
Summary: There was a method to Dumbledore's death, and Hermione Granger discovers Snape is not the murderer they believe. Harry and the Potions Master must work together. Hermione's secret lust for the wizard is revealed.
Warnings: S/M, rough sex.
19)
elidyce (Dyce), Accountable (PG-13) 150,731 words
Publish Date: 1/18/2007
Genres: Drama, Romance
Summary: The war is over. Hermione Granger's life, while safer, is no less complicated. Victory has had unintended consequences which affect not only Hermione, but all those around her.
Recs: KIA, crack_broom, fangirl_tour, QtP Winner (Best Novel-Length), sshg_awards (nominee - epic, runner-up - Drama)
20) VIvian B, Chocolate Enchantment (R) 202,347 words
Publish Date: 4/28/2007
Genres: Romance, Drama, Adventure
Summary: When the Weasley twins decide Hogwarts could use a little love in times of war, Hermione Granger and Severus Snape get caught in the crossfire. As Severus Snape is pushed to fulfill his unbreakable vow, the two of them must work together to help the Order and Harry prepare for the final battle.
21) ttfs (Anastasia), Of Debts and Debt Collection (R) 180,445 words
Publish Date: 4/29/2007
Genres: Romance, Drama, Adventure
Alt Link 1: http://owl.tauri.org/stories.php?psid=2415
Alt Link 2: http://www.thepetulantpoetess.com/viewstory.php?sid=5075
Summary: A novel-length post HBP HG/SS romance adventure. What if Severus returned, trained Harry for the final battle and worked to destroy the final Horcruxes? Story is complete and will be updated regularly.
Note: There is a PWP off-shoot, “Entrance Hall”
Warnings: Character Death, Implied Character Death, Violence
Recs: fangirl_tour, sshg_awards (nominee - epic, Adventure), crack_broom
22)
SGCbearcub, Spellcaster, (NC-17) 151,078 words
Publish Date: 7/10/07
Genres: Drama, Angst
Summary: Hermione Granger was a witch. By the time she was done, the whole damned pureblood world was going to know it.
Note: MLC
Recs: KIA, fangirl_tour
23) SGTRJ, A Matter of Trust, (NC-17) 151,835 words
Publish Date: 7/10/07
Genres: Drama, Angst, Romance
Alt Link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2506887/1/A_Gift_of_Time
Summary: With the entire wizarding community convinced of his duplicity and guilt, Snape is forced to ally with a former student. As their relationship develops and the final confrontation with Voldemort looms, what choices will be made?
Non-HBP-Compliant SSHG Epics
1) subvers (Subversa), His Draught of Delicate Poison (G) 197,217 words
Publish Date: 8/26/2005
Genres: Romance, Drama, AU
Alt Link 1: http://www.thepetulantpoetess.com/viewstory.php?sid=2345
Alt Link 2: http://owl.tauri.org/stories.php?psid=2165
Summary: In the wake of the Final Battle, the Order has opened Headquarters to house its youngest members during a summer of Ministry-sponsored social events. With Snape as a chaperone, and engaged to another woman, the advent of a busy Hermione, determined to see her friends in love-matches, can only be a recipe for disaster.
Note: MLC; adaptation of Georgette Heyer’s Regency Romance The Grand Sophie.
Recs: KIA, crack_broom, fangirl_tour, Multi-faceted Winner (Best Challenge Response, Best Het Fic rated G to PG-13) QtP Winner (Judges Favorite - Genre), sshg_awards (runner-up - epic; winner - Romance)
2) mmestrange (Lady Strange), The Language of Flowers (PG-13) 140,609 words
Publish Date: 10/10/2005
Genres: Humor, Drama, Romance, AU
Summary: A polite romance and comedy of manners based loosely on the WIKTT “Regency Challenge”. This is intelligent fluff, or so I would like to think. It goes on for 22 chapters and has many pairings, HG/SS. AD/MM, LL/RW, HP/LB, RL/ST, NL/MB and so on. This is very AU and a little OOC.
3) sbrande, Everything I Do, I Do It For You (PG-13) 138,671 words
Publish Date: 11/8/2005
Genres: Adventure, AU
Alt Link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3179487/1/Everything_I_Do_I_Do_It_For_You
Summary: The Final Battle is over. Hermione is lost in a mental institution believed to be insane. Can Severus find her before it's too late? My answer to 'JoyCrux' Asylum Challenge. First fan fic. Dark Wizards and strange Empaths abound.
Recs: sshg_awards (runner-up - darkfic)
4) gypsy_morph (JenKM1216), It All Comes Down to Time (NC-17) 105,235 words
Publish Date: 11/26/2005
Genres: Romance, Drama, AU
Summary: In her seventh year, Hermione is accidentally transported nineteen years into the past where it is Severus Snape's seventh year. Against her better judgment, she begins a relationship with him.
Note: Time-turner
Recs: Multi-faceted Winner (Best Dramatic Fic, Best AU Fic), sshg_awards (nominee - AU)
5) ms_figg, A Maid in the Devil's Manor (NC-17) 106,831 words
Publish Date: 11/26/2005
Genres: Drama, Romance, AU
Summary: 24-year-old Hermione Granger is involved in private research to find a defense against the Killing Curse. After eight years, she runs into Professor Snape, who makes her an offer difficult to refuse.
Warning: M/M Rape
6) ms_figg, Inside the Blackest Heart (NC-17) 125,602 words
Publish Date: 12/9/2005
Genres: Darkfic, AU, Adventure
Summary: Snape embraces being a deatheater despite the Order. He warns Hermione off in no uncertain terms. Both end up guests of the Dark Lord. OOC Albus (evil),
Warnings: Rape, S&M, M/M/F
7) amr, The Lioness Prophecies (NC-17) 266,382 words
Publish Date: 12/18/2005
Genres: Romance, Adventure
Summary: On Valentine's Day of Harry Potter's sixth year, a new prophecy is heard which suggests that Severus Snape's marriage may offer great help in the war against Voldemort. Albus Dumbledore decides to take action to ensure that the prophecy comes about.
Recs: crack_broom, fangirl_tour, sshg_awards (nominee - epic)
8) averygoodun, She Married Her Choice, (NC-17) 188,762 words
Publish Date: 2/19/05
Genres: Humor, Angst, Romance
Alt Link 1: http://www.thepetulantpoetess.com/viewstory.php?sid=1589
Alt Link 2: http://owl.tauri.org/stories.php?psid=3712
Summary: Subtitled, When Porcupines Mate, this is the sequel and continuation of Marry A Choice Hermione's week continues its downward spiral as she deals with her decision.
Note: MLC
Recs: sshg_awards (nominee - WIP)
9) ms_figg, Disharmony in the Dungeons (NC-17) 107,740 words
Publish Date: 1/26/2006
Genres: Darkfic, AU, Drama
Summary: Severus has to marry Hermione. Severus' lovers aren't happy.
Note: MLC
Warnings: Lemons, violence, mutilation, sexual brutality, M/M rape. Character death. Oral, Anal
10) ms_figg, Daddy Dearest (NC-17) 290,841 words
Publish Date: 8/24/2006
Genres: AU, Adventure
Summary: SS a deadbeat dad and HG a single mother hide their son's parentage. He is sorted into Slytherin and has a powerful destiny to fulfill concerning the Dark Lord.
Warnings: Racism
11) ms_figg, Becoming Familiar with a Man of Misery (NC-17) 239,098 words
Publish Date: 8/29/2006
Genres: AU, Humor
Summary: A reluctant Severus Snape is ardently pursued by Hermione. A few tantrums, hexes, nasty spells and well-placed knees later an understanding is reached...sort of.
12) ms_figg, You Promised It Would Be Forever (NC-17) 120,053 words
Publish Date: 8/30/2006
Genres: AU, Angst, Drama
Summary: Severus and Hermione divorce after a tragic miscarriage. Voldemort kidnaps Hermione and the couple discover things were not what they seemed. Revenge is the only answer. Deep topics.
13) ms_figg, The Makeover (NC-17) 128,934 words
Publish Date: 9/4/2006
Genres: AU, Drama, Adventure, Romance
Alt Link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4963228/1/The_Makeover
Summary: 25 year old Hermione Granger wins a free makeover. She is also working on a way to stop the Phantom Summons left over after Voldemort's death. Professor Snape is her lab niffler but willing to do more experimentation outside the Mark.
14) ms_figg, Walking the Gray Line (NC-17) 167,768 words
Publish Date: 9/22/2006
Genres: AU, Drama, Angst, Darkfic
Summary: Hermione needs Dark Magic to restore Harry's broken soul. Unfortunately, the books of Dark Magic needed are in the clutches of a very cold and bitter Severus Snape, who is not know for his generosity or helpfulness.
Warnings: Rape
15) ms_figg, A Song for Severus (NC-17) 228,960 words
Publish Date: 12/11/2006
Genres: AU, Adventure, Romance
Summary: A haunting tune reminds Hermione of her difficulties with absent lover, Severus Snape. Bellatrix LeStrange has hatched a dastardly plot that threatens the wizarding world. DM/OFC, RL/OFC
Warning: Violence
16) ms_figg, A Turn for the Better (NC-17) 177,577 words
Publish Date: 12/11/2006
Genres: AU, Adventure, Romance, Mystery, Fantasy
Alt Link 1: http://hp.adultfanfiction.net/story.php?no=600008444
Alt Link 2: http://www.grangerenchanted.com/enchant/viewstory.php?sid=816&index=1
Summary: Hermione goes back in time to convince a young Severus Snape not to assist Tom Riddle. Now, life at Hogwarts has completely changed
Note: Time-turner
17) octgreenfrog, New Beginnings (PG-13) 108,333 words
Publish Date: 2/22/07
Genres: Drama, Romance
Summary: It has been 3 years since the Final Battle and Harry, Ron and Hermione still have not had the closure they all need due to their actions of the war. HG/SS, AU. This is now complete.
18) HermioneSparta, The Majestic Secret (R) 247,927 words
Publish Date: 3/8/2007
Genres: AU, Angst, Romance
Summary: Everyone has secrets. Some are larger than others, while some are deadlier...
Note: There is a sequel, The Majest Battles
19) Dragons Quill, The Phoenix, the Raven & Prince Charming? (R) 161,882 words
Publish Date: 5/9/2007
Genres: Drama, Romance
Summary: The war is over and Dumbledore has laid the groundworks for things to come. Hermione is back at Hogwarts and Severus has been lassoed into helping her with her own project. What will happen when a new marriage law is passed and a horse gets in the way?
Note: MLC. There is a sequel, Raising Phoenix
Warning: Rape
I have to admit-I feel my friend has a point. I was surprised to find only 36 completed epic-length SSHG. This is a pairing that prides itself on its epics-and frankly needs them. I think it’s fair to say the people on my f-list are hooked on the pairing already. So maybe you’ve forgotten already your initial shock when you heard it existed-that you had to be sold. And in that length helps. When people wax nostalgic about what story brought them into the fandom, it’s usually the epics that are mentioned-Fire and the Rose, Soul Searching, Heart Over Mind, Falling Further In, Hinge of Fate, Tyger! Tyger!.
But what really shocked me was that only about half were canon-compliant. That’s truly sad. I know HBP was a jolt. I know some didn’t like that Snape was revealed to not be a pureblood nor to-the-manor-born, or didn’t like he had to kill Dumbledore. But think-what does it take to sell you to a pairing, especially an unlikely one? Essentially, you have to make the two main characters recognizable, at least enough so that it can live in a reader’s mind beside the canon ones. To make Snape rich or a pureblood with a Snape or Prince Manor or jazzed-up Spinner’s End is like making Spock of Star Trek a full Vulcan, Darcy an Irish-American who grew up in the slums of Olde New York, or removing House’s limp.
Now, I can see an occasional place for that-the true AU, where you work out all the things that would be different if say House didn’t have a bum leg. Or adaptations-like say where you take Romeo and Juliet of Verona and make them Tony and Maria of New York City’s Upper West Side. But few HBP “AUs” are really of this sort. They don’t examine how things would be different if things were Y-they just ignore canon. And I can’t believe that doing that half the time (or often at all) is healthy for the ship.
You ignore Snape’s origins or his turning point where he had to kill Dumbledore, you’re stripping the character of his very identity and what makes him recognizable (and often sympathetic, understandable and admirable). Though you may keep people already in your ship, any new readers are likely to shake their head and snort and wonder where is Snape and what have you done with him? I think that’s why, as a post-HBP reader, I found the non-compliant HBP stories so very unsatisfying. The truth is, I found the Snapes of authors like Abby, Anne, Quillusion, among others, who did not write Aristo!Snape, more recognizable than many a Snape I’ve sampled written post-HBP. I hope we can do better with Deathly Hallows-EWE notwithstanding.
There are some lovely fics here. I love Dyce’s Accountable-and felt privileged to have seen Dyce develop it (often before my eyes on YIM) and to have helped beta it. Because of this little project, I also came across stories to love I had overlooked before, such as Orm Irian’s Shades. I didn’t expect to like Shades at all-outside my comfort zone-as was Leraiv Snape’s Forbidden Fruit-I’m going to eagerly follow that story’s continuation.