Guide to Completed SSHG Novellas (HBP Era - III)

[harmony_bites]

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 I searched through FanfictionNet, AdultFanfiction, Restricted Section, Ashwinder, Petulant Poetess and OWLWithin three posts are listed every single completed SSHG story I could find of over 10,001+

Comments

[harmony_bites]

Just as I think romance and romantic partnerships are richer if it's not all you have, I think stories generally are richer if that's not the main focus.

Arguably, Austen's Pride and Prejudice is romance pure and simple--but it has a lot to say about human nature, prejudices, assumptions, class, gender roles, as well as sharp humor. I think the main thrust of the novel is right in the title--about how we judge people and how we can see them in new perspectives and grow from it.

And actually the very best SSHG does all that. I've often scoffed at "DarcySnape" because Snape and Darcy share little, and I despise fics that try to shape Snape into an aristocratic mold.

Yet all good SSHG, the outstanding, ship-converting ones, do the P&P two-step. Part having Hermione realize how wrong her prejudices and perspectives on Snape have been, but also having Snape realize how he's been wrong in so many ways too--and having both grow as a result.

I don't mind Hermione growing up, and giving up things for Snape--as long as it goes both ways. It shouldn't be one-sided.

[e_danae]

The P&P change in viewing the other person (based on the inner change and growth of the character) is the thing I like a lot and enjoy in any good romance. (On the other hand, it's a pity to watch some who try but aren't able to do the job in a believable way.)

The question is if Austen alone would describe P&P as a romance. I've heard a term "social comedy" - with a strong romantic line, that's it. I think the word social should be stressed here, she is very interested in describing the various forms of relationships: friendship and rivalry, siblings feelings, parents v. children... She skillfully weaves a special fabric of it all, where, of course, the romance makes the most distinctive red pattern. But without the others it would be just a ball of red yarn.

Thinking of it, this is what I appreciate in the most good ff romances too - that the couple doesn't live in vacuum but has other people to relate to and other thing to do. Just like in the real life.

[harmony_bites]

Thinking of it, this is what I appreciate in the most good ff romances too - that the couple doesn't live in vacuum but has other people to relate to and other thing to do. Just like in the real life.

I think of Falling Further In where Snape's relationships among the staff and with his Slytherins is so strongly depicted.

So yes, I think that is true of the strong stories.