Pre-HBP Harry Potter fanfic links

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Harry Potter fanfic links (most of them involving Snape!):
Pre-Half-Blood Prince and still more-or-less canon-compatible

[Stories which I consider to be especially well-written or significant are marked with a star - ]

101 Things I Barely Tolerate About You by cathedral carver
Humorous one-shot: Snape makes a list of all the things that annoy him about Hermione, although he's less annoyed than he expects to be. 20/20 by Adred Lightfoot
Grim and very explicit piece in which Snape discovers that Sirius and Peter Pettigrew did something far worse than he had remembered. A harrowing read, but deals seriously with a serious subject. The Abyss Gazes Also by lunalein, a.k.a. Tangleofthorns
A strange, surreal, stunningly well-written look at Sirius (and others) in Azkaban, and the psychology of Dementors. An Act of Kindness by Bil
One-shot: a sweet if lightweight moment of connection between five-year-old Harry and a stranger whose face he can't quite see. Adversus Solem Ne Loquito by Defying Expectations
Deranged by grief and guilt over Lily's death, twenty-one-year-old Severus uses a Time Turner to go back in time with the intention of killing his younger self before he and Lily ever met: but Bellatrix is time-travelling as well, from quite different motives. Three part, complete. Aftermath by PatrickMcKinney
Vignette of Severus contemplating Remus's reaction to the death of Sirius - visually vivid and tangible, very slightly slashy. Air by Roadstergal
Vignette - why does Snape prefer to avoid fresh air? All My Fault by LaurieLovesErik
Well-written, painful vignette of young Snape's feelings about Lily's death. Alone in a Crowd by Cheated Of Between
One-shot of Snape noticing which children have been abused; beautifully written and touching, although perhaps not entirely canon compatible (since in canon he didn't seem to notice that Neville or Harry were abuse victims). Alone With My Demons by SevereObsession
Beautifully-written, horribly sad little one-shot in which Harry develops some sympathy for Snape, after discovering him trying to carve the Dark Mark off his own arm in a passion of misery. Always by Estella May
A series of vignettes of Severus's relationship with Lily. Amidst Scarlet and Gold by Scorpio Grudge
After Sirius's escape from Hogwarts, Snape tries, not very successfully, to make Dumbledore understand why nearly having been murdered for kicks when he was a teenager still burns him. And Miles to Go Before I Sleep by wallyflower
Hermione waits up to assist Snape when he staggers back from a Death Eater meeting in a state of shock. and she laughed by oh sweet lily beans
One-shot showing a series of bright painful vignettes of Severus looking at Lily. And Yet He Flinched by H.L.B.
Beautifully-written, sad little vignette in which Minerva McGonagall speculates about Snape's miserable upbringing. Potentially slightly canon-shafted in that the abusive parent is a magic-user, which would mean it would have to be the mother who appears to be the lesser evil in what little we saw of Snape's early childhood - but we don't actually know she wasn't abusive herself, just because she was scared of her husband. You could even make a case for him screaming at her because she was ill-treating the child. Andalucian Summer by AmanitaMuscaria
Vividly well-written but depressing long one-shot: after home becomes unbearable Lucius sends Severus to stay on a Malfoy property in Spain, where he learns both to ride and to belong; but the Malfoys ultimately have other plans. Another Day by Bailadora
Amusingly-written three-chapter piece looking at a day in Snape's teaching life. Ends up as slightly sad HGSS. Answers to Nothing by Librasmile
Rather dark one-shot which looks at Snape's relationship with Tobias - which is not quite what you might expect. The Apology by NorthAngle27
One-shot consisting of a letter of apology written by Lily to Severus - well thought-out, although probably nicer than Lily is in canon. Art of Smothering by dragonpearlz
Vignette of Snape, suffering from a horrible cold and being, as it were, Molly-coddled against his will. As Black As He's Painted by Tabari Avaren
Following the death of Sirius, Harry's hatred depresses Snape to the point of getting rather drunk. Lupin tried to persuade Snape that he is a fallible but basically decent human being, not a monster, but Snape clings stubbornly to his own self-hatred. Ashen Grey by roterhimmel
One-shot of Lily thinking about Severus with regret. I have mixed feelings about this piece because it has a very dark take on Severus, probably much darker than canon supports - but that might well be what Lily thinks of him, and it's beautifully written. At Midnight by Bil
Harry and Draco share an odd moment of understanding about the workings of fate. Backfired ! by Bellegeste
The Marauders play an unpleasant joke on Severus which ends up trapping Lily too, and she extracts revenge. beat and break by shadows and sunshine
A series of sad elegaic snapshots of the relationship between Severus and Lily. One-shot. The Beauty of it All by goodomen
Luna watches the world and sees how it moves.... Before the summer rain: Bricks in the Wall by Lucindana Sakurazukamori
Darkly-atmospheric WIP looking at Snape's time in Slytherin. Berry by four screws loose
Songfic: Snape dreams a series of frightening vignettes from his past, and a possible future. The Best Glare by Antigone1Evenstar
Humorous one-shot: Harry has become a connoisseur of Snape's glares. The Best of Hands by Anla'shok Ivanova
Snape and Sirius collaborate to get Minerva safely away from Hogwarts (and from Umbridge) after she is stunned. Between the Lines by unlikely2
A vignette of Snape's childhood, looking at the origins of the nickname The Half-Blood Prince. Bitter Reflections by Strega Brava
Set during The Prisoner of Azkaban : Snape is musing glumly about his fear that Voldemort will return, and his desire to keep other children from being lured into making the same mistakes which he made. Black by Malady7
Atmospheric one-shot: Hermione wonders how to describe Snape's eyes.... Black by rae-sim
Snape thinking sourly about Sirius's death, and the applicability or otherwise of the names Black and Prince. A Black Christmas by Elyse3
Half humorous, half disturbing piece about Horace Slughorn and some of his students attending a Christmas party at the Black household during the Marauders era; a party full of ominous undercurrents and portents which Sluggy is too drunk to take in. The Blade by aldalindil
Sureal, trance-like meditation on the ambiguities of Snape's position, stranded between light and dark. A Blissful Sleep by saiyanwizardgurl
Dreamy sweet one-shot of Dumbledore taking care of Snape when he is exhausted and unwell. Blood by Hannah Catherine
Young Severus at school, viewing the Marauders as a ravening dog-pack out for blood. Blood On His Soul by Bil
Dumbledore agonizes about the hard choices he has to make to win the war. Blot out the Stars by everysecond
Emotionally-intense one-shot: Transfiguration master Dumbledore tries to numb himself to the pain of Gellert's dark fanaticism, and his imprisonment, by seeking refuge in an alternative obsession. Companion-piece to Love and Other Childish Ways. A Bludger to the Gut by duj
Snape fuming about Dumbledore's decision to give the DADA job to Lupin. Pretty-much anything by duj is worth a look as she writes very well, and her stories about Snape have a quality of kindness and tenderness towards him which is very appealing. Book of Shadows by Harmony Bites
"Pre-HBP" is a misnomer in this case, as it's set during HBP. Dumbledore orders Hermione to study Occlumency with Snape, in an effort to build bridges between Snape and the Trio. Excellent writing, believable character-development and an intelligent understanding of magic. WIP Boys Don't Cry by Lady Isabella Van Eimeren
After the "Snape's Worst Memory" incident Lily comes across the young Severus sitting alone in a deserted classroom, trying not to cry. Breaking Point by duj
After the Pensieve incident in Order of the Phoenix , Snape explains to Dumbledore why he feels completely unable to work with Harry any more. Pretty-much anything by duj is worth a look as she writes very well, and her stories about Snape have a quality of kindness and tenderness towards him which is very appealing. Breathless by SoUsay234
Sharp vignette of Severus thinking about Lily's death. Brilliance by trinsan
Horace Slughorn contemplates a brilliant but difficult student. There's an uneasy edge suggesting that Sluggy may fancy his pupil, but if so he is responsible and does nothing about it. You may find you have to go to the Occlumancy site and set up an account before you can access this story. Broken by HulaHula
One-shot of Poppy fretting over how neglected and picked-on young Snape seems. The Broken Prince by alatariel-gildaen
A look at Snape's development from age eleven to HBP, although at time of writing we've only covered his first two years at school. The story is well-written and painfully vivid: which is why I've included it despite the fact that it makes young Severus more vicious than canon really supports. WIP Brooding by A Darker Shade of Bright
Following the death of Sirius, Snape broods darkly on the subjects of self-hatred and hatred of the Marauders. [Preceded by the poem Feeling the Wind Storm Through in Lansing.] but it's harder to feel this way by JacksonFrost
A sad vignette of Snape's childhood, and how it affected his adult character. But Life Goes On by SongoftheDarquePhoenix
Brief, sad little songfic which portrays Snape as achingly lonely. Slightly spotty grammar but much more cleverly constructed than songfics usually are. But They Never Did by Lindsey Grissom
Snape spends his life overhearing spitelful or patronizing whispers about his hair, but nobody actually asks him about it. Buttons by blink-once-4-yes
Creepy little one-shot: Snape has a harmless if peculiar obsession.... Buttons by unearthlychild70
Brief vignette of an unspecified female person, probably Hermione, meditating on the erotic possibilities of film-Snape's buttons. Slightly spoiled by The Block Paragraph of Doom and by a gratuitously hyperbolic description of "sex soaked sheets" - but still interesting and atmospheric. Call of the Dark by Shyfoxling
Beautifully-written one-shot which portrays Snape as rather darker and more convinced by Voldemort's racial agenda than he is in the books. Teenage Severus believes that he can somehow burn away his Muggle blood and make himself pure - and that Lily could join him in this quest for purity if he can only persuade her. Candles by confusedcynic
Dreamy, creepy WIP: pre-Hogwarts, child Lily keeps seeing a ghost - or is it an echo of her future self? Captive Audience by Meltha
Emotionally-fraught one-shot: all Snape's guilt about Lily comes to vivid, accusatory life, and he must deal with it, and her, as best he can. Career Counselling by Meltha
A series of amusing looks at different members of staff giving careers guidance to various canon characters. WIP, but functions as a series of stand-alone one-shots. Caring for Dark Creatures by mouse
Hagrid contemplates a realistically sour, spiky young schoolboy Severus. You may find you have to go to the Occlumency site and set up an account before you can access this story. Cast Adrift by darklyromantic
Death Eater!Severus waits for Lily, to make sure she hasn't been killed in a raid in which he took part. Second-person one-shot which portrays Snape as a bit darker than he is in the books, but is very well-written. Catalyst of Dreams by Caged Eternity
A rather grim look at a very young Snape, dreaming about which house he might belong to.... The Cats of Hogwarts by Eucritta
Humorous one-shot: sometimes, the best way to get students using non-verbal magic is to teach them spells that are too embarrassing to say aloud.... Caught in the Rain by Gedia Kacela
Professor Sinestra gets caught out in the rain, and is nearly rescued by Snape. Erudite and witty, with realistic dialogue. The Chamber of Clocks by snarkyroxy
Dumbledore sits up watching a clock with Snape's face on it pointing to mortal peril.... Changes by Pavonis Mons
Peeves messing with anagrams of Tom Marvolo Riddle.... Changing Seasons by filledecriture
Longish one-shot: Severus and Lily have evidently made it up after the Mudblood incident, but her sexual interests lie elsewhere and Sev is just for practising on. Very well-written although Severus seems a bit on the wet side. Childhood Cruel by Pectus Noctem
A series of sour, credible, low-key vignettes from Snape's childhood. Chocolate by naomipoe
One-shot, supposedly satirical but oddly serious in patches. Snape falls for the charms of Muggle chocolate. A Choice by Hekko
One-shot: for one brief moment, eleven-year-old James has a choice between fairness and prejudice: a choice which will have far-reaching repercussions. Christmas Eve This Year by Charis M
Neville's grim grandmother thinking about the boy who is all she has left. Circle in a Spiral by jin fenghuang
Snape confronts his boggart. Plausible and beautifully-written: in fact anything by this elegant writer is worth a look. Claimed by teawithremus
One-shot which takes a convincingly sinister look at how Severus got the Dark Mark. Classroom monologue by tigercatcher
A teacher (unspecified) tries to keep control of the class. Comfort by NorthAngel27
Long one-shot: one of Snape's first batch of Slytherin students observes his grief and mental turmoil following Lily's death, and develops a crush on him which he can't afford to reciprocate, despite being only a few years older than her. Followed up on the post-DH story Salvation. Confessions of a Classroom Tyrant by semuta
Grim little vignette of Snape thinking about what drives him to lash out all the time. Crucio by Arctic Demon
Delicately written, poetic one-shot: Snape remembers, with regret, what it felt like to cast an Unforgivable Curse. Curse or Blessing by justonemore
WIP which begins with a healer, who works for the Order, curing Snape of the after-effects of an attempted murder, and developing a rapport with him as she does so. Damnable Words by tall oaks
WIP which looks at Snape's life-choices and his early days as a teacher. Well-written, although imo it makes Dumbledore nastier than canon really supports. Damnation by My'Bittersweet'Song
Brief, sad one-shot: Snape asks Tonks, the shape-shifter, for a curious favour, much good may it do him. Dancing Hero by Lily Among the Thorns
A little atmosphere piece - Snape and other staff members relax after the Yule Ball. Danger Lies by Trin2
Young Sirius trying to understand and help Remus, as one part-time canine to another. The darkest hour is nearest the dawn by Frayed Misfit
A series of vignettes of different Christmases in Snape's life, started with his depressing childhood. WIP Days of Dunder by ls269
Long one-shot which gives a beautiful character-sketch of Snape (and also of Dumbledore and Rita Skeeter) when he first began working as a teacher. Dead Roses by AmanitaMuscaria
An extremely grisly but interesting look at the ultimate fate of Barty Crouch Jnr, and how Dementors reproduce themselves. One-shot. Dead Roses by MissJinny
Snape is badly injured for stalling on a project assigned to him by Voldemort. He is left with two weeks in which to do the Dark Lord's bidding or come up with a very convincing excuse - whilst at the same time trying to deal with his complex feelings about Lupin, who wants to help but who still terrifies him half to death. Unfinished but in progress at time of listing. Deadly by bibliophile42
A creepy vignette looking at seven original Death Eaters as exemplars of the Seven Deadly Sins. Dear Professor Snape by crockywock
An entertaining little piece in which a student writes a letter to Snape, explaining how and why they came to blow up his laboratory. The Death of a Generation by FirstYear
Gentle elegiac long one-shot which looks at the Death Eaters as tragic and lost. Snape's expectations, in life and in love, are very low, and his hopes are hardly any higher. The Death Of Socrates by jaderook
Snape contemplates the death of the philosopher, and considers imitating him. You may find you have to go to the Occlumency site and set up an account before you can access this story. A Decorated Emergency by Nun Sandwich
One-shot: Snape helps Tonks to survive a dangerous incident. Derision by ArithmancerProof
A little character study of Snape as a teacher, knowing he shouldn't lash out, but too stressed to stop himself. Desk Duty by Mosylu
Madam Pince fences skullfully with Dolores Umbridge. Diamond Mind by Fidelis Haven
Bellatrix in Azkaban, hardening. A Difference of Opinion by MadgeM
Amusing one-shot of Severus winding Minerva up about Quidditch, with slightly racy results. Dire Drabbles by Snapesforte
Gnomic vignettes. Divination by Elektra3
Sad vignette of Poppy Pomfrey considering the 11-year-old Severus, already so isolated, and predicting that that isolation will drive him to the Dark Arts. Very slight canon-shaft in the suggestion that his family are Dark wizards (but the Princes could have been, of course). Sequel to Other, q.v. . Doom Approaching by Mrs. Sniffy
Amusing one-shot of Snape winning staffroom approval by putting one over on Umbridge. A Dream of Misfortune by breannatala
One-shot: during Harry's first year, Snape has a strange dream, half nonsense and half prophesy. Dumbledore's Creatures by LizBee
Slightly sinister vignette, set during The Prisoner of Azkaban, in which Snape and Lupin discuss trustworthiness and betrayal. An Eagle In the Warren by jennajane
Snape seeks out Karkaroff in hiding; a rather dark and mildly slashy story, but beautifully written. Easements by Qoheleth
Staff-table vignette: every cloud has a silver lining.... Easy by Kraken1
Colin Creevey looks at pictures of Harry, and understands his own situation. Eileen and Tobias by mouse
A different, complex, less violent than usual but still very sad interpretation of the vision Harry sees of the young Snape's parents fighting. You may find you have to go to the Occlumency site and set up an account before you can access this story. Elegy for a Broken Promise by obviously394
Delicate one shot looking at the stages of Snape's relationship with Lily, from childhood to death. Emotional Pain by QuidditchFlea101
Snape feels hopelessly trapped inside his own harsh shell. The End is Nigh by Pavonis Mons
During the year before they go up to Hogwarts, Ginny and Luna enjoy a strange, fragile friendship. Bittersweet. Erised by SeverusLuciusAbraxasMalfoy
One-shot: what Snape sees in the mirror surprises even him. Eternity by Vicis
One-shot of Snape, feeling time passing - very strange. Fairer Than Death by Bialy
Awkward, delicately-written scene between Severus and Lily: first in a series of five scenes from the lives of each of twenty characters. Familiar Conversation by Captain Evermind
One shot of the staff discussing their familiars, and what sort of familiar Minerva and Severus should have. Fat Boy by MourningDove
A sympathetic look at how Dudley feels about life. The Favor by CMW
Whom was Florence kissing behind the greenhouses? Young Snape being misguidedly chivalrous, and Sirius being his usual vicious self. Finding A Four Letter Word by Ayame Nekura
A very intense vignette looking at young!Severus, looking at Lily. Finding a Niche by The Unbreakable Snape Fan
Long one-shot which charts Snape's social difficulties as a new teacher and his growing friendship with Minerva. Fingerprints in Dust by Rachael DuBois
Vignette looking at the Snapes, mother and son, trapped in a repeating pattern. Very sad. The First Time by Eisblume
One-shot: there's a first time for everything, but teenage Severus finds he isn't as cut-out to be a Death Eater as he'd thought. Five Things by The Harper
A series of delicately-drawn vignettes of Lily and Severus. One-shot. A Fledgling by Moria Polonius
Very creepy story involving Snape and Hermione, but mainly about the origins and beliefs of the Dementors. The Flight of Icarus by a true Elsewhere
A series of scent-related vignettes of Harry and Snape, ending in a moment of understanding. [Warning: full of errors suggesting the author isn't a native English speaker.] Flowers and Dust by Madea's Rage
A series of vignettes of the Death Eaters: begins with Snape trying to explain to a court why he was willing to kill Dumbledore to protect Draco, and continues with a surprisingly touching and sad look at Peter Pettigrew. Fly by Rae Seddon
Sad, atmospheric one-shot. A year after they broke up, Severus and Lily meet by accident at a funfair, but too much has changed to be able to really put things right. Flying by Alisonven
One-shot: how Severus learned to fly - and taught the skill to Tom. For Him by Bil
A gentle, elegantly-written one-shot in which Snape and McGonagall discuss their separate kinds of love for Albus, who is too detached ever to return their feelings, and McGonagall thinks about her own fondness for her younger colleague, and how alone he is. Beautifully characterized, although it does depend on the assumption that the wizarding world of the 1980s was way more straight-laced than Muggle Britain. For my hurt ... by aloe
Stressed-out, disjointed stream-of-consciousness - Snape trying not to freak out too much about the traumatic memories of his childhood and/or his time as a Death Eater, while Dumbledore makes a total insensitive pig's ear of trying to help him. Fortune and Men's Eyes by Kelly Chambliss
A sad and beautiful look at Severus and Minerva as occasional lovers. One-shot. Forty Days of Snape by Shiroiyuki3
Extremely strange humorous WIP, tending towards crackfic: a bizarre premonition concerning the colour blue causes Snape to contemplate murdering a new staff-member.... Forty Hour Week by Skye13
How does Snape manage to combine teaching with spying? By not wasting time on eating or sleeping. Friend by Memories Left Abandoned
Brief vignette of Luna being her perceptive self. A Friend in the Darkness by GadoliniumBeryllium
After fleeing from the stresses at home, young Severus meets Lily for the second time, and discovers that they have more in common than magic. One-shot. Full Moon by Half-drowned Dracula
One-shot of Severus the day after Lily's death, thinking about love and loss and Muggle music. The Game by Einna Aurora Du'an
Snape reflects on the nature of the deadly game he is playing with Voldemort. Gateshead Revisited by Prieda Solo
A pair of low-key, bleakly-convincing one-shots of young Severus's life both at home and at school. Getting it Done by Emily Waters
Short but perfectly formed humorous one-shot: in which somebody plays a prank on somebody else.... Give her hell from us, Peeves! by Possum132
Umbridge, Flitwick and Snape all have their own take on the dramatic departure of Gred and Forge.... Gloria, in Excelsis Deo by Moria Polonius
Snape is obliged to go along with a Death Eater plan to syphon off and twist the power generated by the faith of the worshippers at a Catholic cathedral. Creates a very grand, impressive atmosphere. Gods and Monsters by jin fenghuang
A very different but believable take on Snape in Azkaban following his defection from the Death Eaters. Slight slash elements in his memories of schooldays. Anything by this elegant writer is worth a look. Going Through the Motions by Iris Claymore
Vignette of Snape just before his first encounter with Harry. Green Stained Glass by pandafoot105
One-shot of Severus and Lily as lovers. Starts off seeming like a PWP and then becomes sad and strange. Grey by The Sentient Wolf
Emotionally-intense one-shot of Dumbledore thinking about Snape and what he has read in his mind, about the various pains which underly Snape's neuroses. The take on Snape (or at least Dumbledore's interpretation of him) is quite dark and amoral but it's still a beautifully-written and affecting piece. Halcyon by Bialy
Vivdly descriptive vignette of Snape's childhood, which becomes a meditation on childhood in general. Halflife by Lady Altair
One-shot which examines what six characters, all of whom died young, were doing on the day which they didn't know would mark the mid-point of their lives. Hands by Willy-Chan
Tiny but very erotically-charged vignette of Hermione contemplating Snape's elegant hands. The Hanged Man by Trin2
Draco thinks about what Harry's triumphs mean for his family. Harry Potter: A Monologue By Dudley by JuicyJuice
Ever consider what Dudley might feel about his magical cousin? Harvest by Scion of Kushiel
A highly original and well-written look at Lily and Severus as two friends both manipulated into dangerous positions they really don't want to be in. Haunted by magnetosdaughter
Vignette: Snape remembers a shared moment with Lily. Having Victory Snatched From You by Red Fiona
A justifiably sullen Snape muses about having the House Cup snatched away from Slytherin by Dumbledore's blatant cheating. He Doesn't Like Anything, Much by godwit
Vignette of young Severus coping with his difficult home-life. He is Old by SeverusSnape19
Snape looks at his mentor and for the first time really sees an old man. He Was A Quiet Man by sequestial
One-shot which compares the thoughts and positions of Regulus and Severus in a detached, fractured way. A Headmaster's Priviledge by Arike H2O
Faced with the stress and responsibility of having to fight his own former friend, the young Albus finds a useful bolthole. Decades later, he shares the secret with Headmaster Snape. One-shot. Heart to Heart by Prieda Solo
One-shot: Tobias tries to do his fatherly duty and talk to his son about dealing with bullies, but Severus is already quite good at it. Hell Is In Ourselves by CatsOnMars
Two-part story which takes a sad, quiet look at Snape's mental state, his feelings about Dumbledore, about his past and about memory, wishing for a numbness he can't achieve. Follows him through until death, but the bulk of the story is pre-HBP. Her Taste by epiphanies
Dreamy surreal vignette of the young Severus noticing Lily for the first time, and having a premonition about his future fate. Here Comes the Sun by the return of merry
Sad atmospheric one-shot. Snape is reminiscing, looking at old school photographs, and if you think he seems a little out of character or confused there's a very good reason for that.... The setting which frames this story is post-HBP but I list it as pre-HBP because it is mainly concerned with looking at events of Snape's schooldays. Hero's Burial by Wren Truesong
Hermione dreams of Harry lying-in-state, young, heroic and dead. The Herring Affair by Yasmyn Yaslanna
A severely hungover Harry tries to explain to Snape exactly where the mutant herrings came from. Very silly. Hiding Behind the Window Pane by Beyondthebloodredsunset
Snape brooding about the contrast between his rather nervy, high-strung inner self and his harsh public persona. Hiding from Helga by unlikely2
The four Founders come forwards in time to take a look at 20^th C Hogwarts, and get rowdy-drunk on local liquor. His Molly by Snowballjane
What, for Snape, epitomizes that little circle of firelight which he is fighting to preserve from encroaching darkness? Short, sweet and sad. A History of the Tooth by emily.down
A long, strange, hypnotic one-shot which follows Hermione's developing attitudes to life, to books and to herself from infancy through to a point partway through HBP and a surreal, sympathetic late-night conversation with Snape. The Hogwarts Express by zgirnius
One-shot: young Severus's experience of the journey to Hogwarts is a mirror image of Harry's. Hold My Heart and See That It Bleeds by Ljudavtryck
Sad vignette of young Severus lying awake after his quarrel with Lily. Hollow by Spindelwhim
One-shot of Snape visiting Lily's grave. Home by TheRebelQueen
A rather sweet one-shot: Hermione is upset after hearing Ron describe her as "better than nothing," and Snape ends up dealing with her as he would with one of his Slytherins and providing pastoral support (and tea, and a clean hankie). Houses of Cards by Bil
Dumbledore thinks about traditional house characteristics, and where the truest courage he knows lies, in the heart of a Slytherin spy. How Could We Have Anything in Common? by Faber Wolffe
Harry and Snape have nothing in common, right? How I Spent the Summer by kiskax
Drabble of Severus after his quarrel with Lily, being offered solace elsewhere. How To Measure Time by Echo1317
A series of snapshots of Severus and Lily, from summer to summer. One-shot. I Crave by MourningDove
Grim stream-of-consciousness: Draco thinking about being abused by Lucius. Slight Harry/Draco slash. I Open at the Close by Playing Scrabble with Orcs
In the summer before seventh year, Lily suddenly relents and invites Severus to come along on an Evans family holiday. He hopes it's to rekindle their friendship, but it feels more like goodbye. Long one-shot. I Won't Dance by PersephoneFlame
Snape being the skeleton at the feast after the first fall of Voldemort. Idols of Perversity by Bloodcult of Freud
Hermione discovers Snape in the Forbidden Forest, making love to a simulacrum of herself. The story is explicitly sexual and sounds as if it ought to be kinky as Hell, but in fact it is sweet, witty, touching, desperately sad and very much in character - although the writer's physical take on Snape is very much Alan Rickman rather than the younger, scrawnier canon-version. If You Are Prepared and If You Are Not by MoonFire1
A pair of tiny but touching/chilling vignettes of Snape and Dumbledore considering Snape's return to spying. If you are ready, if you are prepared by Possum132
The scene in the hospital wing at the end of Goblet of Fire, seen from three points of view - Fudge, McGonagall and Snape. Illuminum by blueandblack
A very convincing and well-written look at Lily's and Severus's feelings before and after their break-up, although a bit AU in that the writer has Lily begin dating James at least a year earlier than in canon. WIP Imaginary by Yasona Black
Deeply creepy one-shot: Snape catches Harry playing chess with someone who (apparently) isn't there.... In a Name by Rachel Indeed
Emotive one-shot which looks at middle names in the wizarding world - why young Snape didn't have one, how he aquired one and how he became one. In All the Noisy World by Cutter
A cool, dreamy, claustrophobic look at Draco's psychology. Slight self-harm mentioned. In the Empty Classroom Near the Library by saint mungo and the vampires
One-shot: Severus seeks his shameful fix in the Mirror of Erised.... In the garden by Shiradine
The job of Potions Master comes with its own private herb-garden.... Inappropriate by Rex Luscus
Luna is unflappable and immune to embarassment. Snape, however, is not. The Initiation by jin fenghuang
Snape's initiation as a Death Eater. Believable, vivid, sinister and beautifully-written: in fact anything by this elegant writer is worth a look. The Inner Workings of Death Eaters by Madea's Rage
Humorous series of "unknown facts" about various Death Eaters. The Innocence of Snow by moira of the mountain
A beautiful, sad one-shot about childhood pastimes and the loss - or preservation - of innocent pleasures. Insiduous Intents, a trilogy consisting of We Have Lingered in the Chambers of the Sea, Indeed There Will Be Time and When the Evening Is Spread Out Against the Sky , by Elyse3
An examination of the relationship between Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald, as boys and then as adults, consisting of three three-chapter stories which follow through until Gellert's death.. Interlude by Adia7
Although he is so much the younger, Snape proves to be a rock Minerva can lean on when she becomes overwrought about Umbridge. Is It Wrong? by Bohemian Storm
In Azkaban, Sirius remembers his persecution of Snape, and how dangerous Snape became as a result. It Burns! by InexplicablyKyprioth
Silly but very well-written humour piece: a first-year student has managed to get detention with Snape on his very first day at Hogwarts, and his colourful imagination fills in the details of what that may involve. It is Our Choices by lemon drop 7
Vignette of Severus's Sorting. It Was Easier by grandebattegraisseuse
Dreamy slash piece, listed as a poem but really poetic prose - teenage James gradually realizes he is in love with Sirius. January 9, 1977 by Visceral
One-shot: a vivid, emotionally-intense look at Snape's last birthday as a student, and what finally drove him to Voldemort. Je Ne Sais Pas by Half-drowned Dracula
Exceptionally well-written and (so far) canon-compliant WIP which looks at Snape's first year as a teacher, from the point of view of a group of believable, interesting Gryffindors. JewelBright by Pavonis Mons
A Golden Snitch, which still retains some behavioural traits of the original Snidget, falls in love with Barty Crouch Senior and sparks off an important series of events. The Joys of Apparition by Overhill
The staff have a giggle about the things which happen in Apparition lessons. Lightweight, but amusing to see the pupils from the p.o.v. of their exasperated teachers. Just Another Day by QueenIodine
Stream-of-consciousness vignette: Snape thinks about the boyhood years of bullying and humiliation which drove him in on himself and made him so defensive. Just Drabbling Along by cecelle
A series of Snapey vignettes, some pre-, some post-HBP. Killing the Messenger by Raven Dancer
Strange one-shot set during Order of the Phoenix . Snape returns injured from a Death Eater revel and attempts self-medication with whisky. Remarkable for its portrayal of Snape drunk, in shock and utterly (and quite amiably) spaced, and for Dumbledore's affectionate concern. King's Pawn by Memento Mori
Dreamy, surreal and sinister piece from Snape's viewpoint, considering his two masters, and Voldemort's hypnotic attraction. Knock by Miss Laine
Snape, on guard duty, discovers that Harry is being knocked around by the Dursleys. What will he do? WIP Kohelet by Telepwen
Following a series of Quibbler articles about Death Eaters, Snape and Luna discuss responsible reporting and repeating patterns. Laetitia by unlikely2
Harry befriends a Slytherin First-Year who is being bullied by Gryffindors. Lamentations of a Starry-Eyed Twit by She's a Star
It's the Golden Trio's first year, and Professor Sinestra is trying to convince herself that she doesn't fancy Snape, no not one little bit. Told as a series of highly amusing diary entries, with a realistic ear for dialogue. Lapdog by Society's Cavity
Snape recalls a fairly abusive schoolboy sexual relationship with Lucius, teetering between seduction and outright rape. Laughing Last by Kelly Chambliss
Humorous one-shot: it's impossible to scare a student who treats everything in the wizarding world as exciting and quaint. Legilimens by Grym
Very short and very creepy look at Snape having his mind examined by Voldemort. Lesser Languages by The Treacle Tart
Minerva watches and worries over Snape as he grows from pupil to colleague, reading his moods from his hands. Lessons by darroe
An awkward scene of Severus teaching pre-Hogwarts Lily a little magic and avoiding talking about his home life: wholly believable and convincing except that it was based on a scene from the novel Let the Right One In, and therefore has them playing with a Rubik's Cube about four years before it was invented. LiesLife by Ch3rryphr34k
Sad elegant slash piece - Snape gives himself to three lovers, with neither desire nor revulsion, in order to serve his duty. Lilith by Jibril
A moody, sharp, unsentimental Snape thinking about Lily. You may find you have to go to the Occlumency site and set up an account before you can access this story. Lily's Favourite by Alison
I've out this vignette under pre-HBP because much of it concerns a flashback to Snape's schooldays, but the starting point is actually during HBP. Snape thinks about his duties to Albus and his memories of a friend. You may find you have to go to the Occlumency site and set up an account before you can access this story. Lines by deisegirl
Vignette: Sirius can deal with mutual needling more easily than with pity. Linger by WoollyBladders
Sad, atmospheric one-shot - Snape thinks he's cut himself off from softness and the need for human warmth, but there is still one chink in his armour.... Little School of Horrors by cecelle
Humour: Professor Sprout gives the parents of prospective Muggle-born students a tour of Hogwarts. Little WizardChick by Wren Truesong
Hedwig fusses over Harry as if he were her chick. Lonely by roterhimmel
Snapshot of young Severus - there's a fine line between special and isolated. The Longest Month by -peccadillo
WIP which looks at a summer of reconciliation between young Severus and Lily. Probably a nicer Lily than the one in canon, but the writing is lively and Severus's wry internal voice is a delight. Look At This Man by there goes my gun
A sad little look at Lupin. Loss by Spunky Panda
Petunia thinks about Lily. Love and Other Childish Ways by everysecond
Long one-shot which looks at the relationship between young Albus and Gellert, and at the death of Ariana, seen from Gellert's perspective. Companion-piece to Blot out the Stars. Love Costs by Beefcake the Mighty
Odd, scratchy, original vignette of Snape's feelings about Lily dating James. Love Song by Arctic Demon
A series of short vignettes of Severus' and Lily's friendship. WIP, and at time of listing there is only the first one, but it captures Severus's viewpoint believably and is sweet without being sentimental. Loyalties by Rachel Indeed
Delicately-written one-shot which looks at Snape's return to Voldemort at the end of GoF, the mechanics of Occlumency and his complex relationship with Dumbledore. Manners by Noc007
Nastily believable vignette of a bullying incident between Severus and the Marauders. Marked by ranchozabaco
Convincing one-shot which take a sympathetic look at a character who normally receives no sympathy, taking the Dark Mark. Masks by Strega Brava
Snape brooding about still being seen as the Death Eater he once was. A Matter of Malevolence by trinsan
From the outset, young Snape's hair-trigger defensiveness and James and Sirius's smug insularity lead to mutual misunderstanding. WIP. You may find you have to go to the Occlumency site and set up an account before you can access this story. Me and Julz by prittee1
Proof that even the most blatant self-insert doesn't have to be bad, so long as the characters are handled realistically and the writing is as crisp and witty as this (although the spelling could definitely use work). Two Muggle girls, openly the author and a friend, fall asleep on a Muggle bus and wake up on the Knight Bus. WIP The Meaning Of Life by protest.riot
Humour piece: a blearily drunk Draco tries to discuss life, the universe and everything with a bemused Snape. Memories by lucy forst
One-shot: Snape remembers his mother, and Lily. Midnight in the Silence by Mary Caroline
A gentle little friendship piece - Ron being awkwardly supportive to Harry after Cedric's death. Misunderstandings by unlikely2
Suppose Salazar Slytherin's reluctance to admit Muggleborn children to Hoqwarts was based on something other than prejudice? A Moment in Time by AmyScissors
One-shot, compatible with DH canon but set long before it, showing Severus and Lily together as children, and his thoughts about her afterwards. Monster by whitehound (me, of course!)
100 word drabble. Sometimes, we see the same characters and behaviours repeating themselves through time.... Morals by thomas hobbs
Complete three-part story in which Severus and Lucius do their best to comply with Narcissa's instruction to tell the infant Draco a morally-improving bedtime story. Eye-wateringly bad typing, but very funny. My Eyes Are Dim, I Cannot See by Pavonis Mons
Lily misinterprets the relationship between Remus and Sirius, in a way which has serious long-term consequences.... Needs by georgiamanry
Tiny, amusing one-shot pairing Snape with Luna. Never Alone by fhestia
Snape hates being ill and hates admitting to it even more, but when a bout of fever threatens to lay him low he finds more kindness than he had expected. Four part, complete. Never try to trick me with a kiss by Frayed Misfit
One-shot loosely based around a poem by Sylvia Plath, which shows a series of sad, dreamy vignettes of Severus, growing. Neville Longbottom and the Moment of Truth by Dien Alcyone
Neville finally loses his temper and snaps back at Snape, with unexpected results. New Beginnings by Blood and Gold
WIP which looks at Snape's first year as a teacher, through the eyes of a believable, unSuey student. The Niceties of Boredom by MyPhoenixLament
A delicate little character sketch, both amusing and sad, of the teenage Severus hanging out in the library - where he is rootled out of his introspection by an encounter with Lily. Night by The Harper
Beautifully-written one-shot of Severus and Lily wondering about the future and already fearing that politics may force them apart. Night by yapyap
Delicate little drabble: Snape and Hermione encounter each other in the night-time halls, and share a brief moment of understanding. No More Children Like Us by Alphard
Voldemort sweet-talks young Severus into joining the Death Eaters by playing on the fact that they are both half-bloods. Nobody's Hero: A Severus Snape Story by astheworldfallsdown
WIP which promises an original look at Snape: difficult to assess as at this point there's only one chapter and Severus hasn't even been conceived yet, but it certainly provides an interesting and convincing look at Eileen and Tobias. Normal Things by the return of merry
Grim vivid one-shot of teenage Snape getting slapped around by the local thugs, which he accepts as quite normal. Not A Coward by J. Lynn
Snape musing about the way in which everyone except him seems to expect a child to save the world. Not Love by Paladar
Vignette of a sexual relationship between Snape and a sixteen-year-old Hermione. I have mixed feelings about this story. On the one hand, it isn't remotely how I would see Snape, and their situation is very ethically dodgy. Nowadays in Britain it is illegal for a person in authority to have sex with somebody who is under their authority and who is 16 or 17, unless they marry them, although this law wasn't introduced until Hermione would have turned 18; and their relationship in this story is in any case a rather perverse one with strong S&M overtones. But the situation is honestly portrayed as being ethically dodgy, Hermione is entering into the sex, including the S&M bits, of her own free will, and the writing is stunningly good. Nothing a Good Imperius Wouldn't Solve by afterthree
Grim but superbly well-written one-shot which looks at teenage Severus wrestling with one of the obvious temptations of Dark power.... Nothing to Worry About by Half-drowned Dracula
One-shot: Petunia explains to Vernon why the news of her sister's pregnancy does not fill her with joy. O Holy Night by Mary Caroline
It's Christmas, and Crabbe, Goyle and a sprig of mistletoe are looking for some action. Oblivion by Kevin3
How did the Ministry sort out the mess after Harry's Aunt Marge was turned into a human balloon? Observations by SammyQuill
One-shot of Severus, noticing Lily (including some of her faults, although he thinks they're OK because they're hers). Of Fate And Fatalism by Zeptron Zulu
Darkly humorous and dour musings about what led Snape to join the Death Eaters. Of lust and love by Ripki
One-shot: Lily thinks about the path not taken, and whom she might have taken it with. Of Shadows and Swans by Elyse3
Edgy vignette showing the uneasy sexual and political undercurrents at Lucius' and Narcissa's wedding. Old Wounds by XiaoGui
McGonagall finds that Snape has thrown Harry out of his Occlumency lesson, and jumps to the conclusions that Snape must be the one at fault - just as she did when he was a boy. On the Brink by Snape's Nightie
A vivid look, both witty and touching, at Snape as a child seeking to learn about the wizarding world, and Eileen remembering why she left it. On the Edge of the Night by selinabln
Atmospheric WIP: wandering through Grimmauld Place in the middle of the night, a sleepless Hermione witnesses Snape exhausted and borderline delirious after a Death Eater meeting. Once by NorthAngel27
WIP in which Lily and Severus re-establish their friendship during the summer before seventh year, following the suicide of Severus's mother. One Happy Day by Sindie
Slight but touching one-shot of young Severus having one near-perfect day out with Lily and her family. One Minute by Rachael DuBois
A look at Snape battling the curse which nearly killed Katie Bell. One Wise Woman and Truth or Consequences by Sweeney Agonistes
Minerva McGonagall finds Snape collapsed unconscious in the snow on Christmas Eve, and endeavours to find out why. Part of a whole sequence of stories in which Minerva is Dumbledore's daughter-in-law. Other by Elektra3
Intense stream-of-consciousness piece in which the 11-year-old Severus rages to himself about the bullies who are already driving him almost suicidal. Painful, but also very witty. Prequel to Divination, q.v. . Ouroboros by NorthAngel27
Long one-shot of post-NEWTs Severus having an intense, fraught encounter with Lily and James in a local pub. Very atmospheric and vivid, although more physically aggressive than adult Snape is in canon. Continued in Until Death Parts Us. Outnumbered! by OddDoll
Snape gets trapped in a small village during a Death Eater raid, and ends up spending the day trying to care for seven pre-school infants. Over You by MissJinny
Dark, surreal, beautifully-written slashy one-shot portraying Snape as someone with genuinely divided loyalties and a painful, unrequited love/hate passion for Remus Lupin. Owls for the Spy by HelenaRow
Humorous WIP which tells Snape's story in a series of letters to him or by him. Original and amusing, although marred by the writer's habit of using the wrong word, such as "impertinent" instead of "imperative", and "college" instead of "colleague". Paper Thin Hotel by skjaere
Explicit, rather dark slash piece about Snape being tormented by memories of Regulus, who was his lover. Parched by manic
A sad little piece, set just after the end of OotP. Snape patiently endures the scorn and distrust of most of the Order, and Lupin tries to help. Unfinished. Past Midnight by antea-aevum
Snape being sympathetic, in his own prickly, snarly way, about Harry's detentions with Umbridge. The Pawn by ReeraTheRed
Snape's initial return to Dumbledore's side, and how Dumbledore came to trust him. Penance by Charis M
Elegant, grim, believable vignette of Snape as a self-harmer. Precursor to Solace and to Tangled Up in Green. Penance by Perse
Snape being a concerned and competent house-father, tending to Draco after the bouncing ferret incident. The Pensieve's Full by GGJ5
A series of snapshots, beginning with a sad, intense look at young Snape's first awkward encounter with the wizarding world. Pensive by PhoenixWriter1
One-shot of Dumbledore after the Duelling Club scene in CoS, wilfully dismissing what he knows are Snape's very justified concerns about Harry's ability to speak Parseltongue. Pet Project by Caeria
Sweet, funny and immensely well-written multi-parter about Hermione becoming concerned about Snape's state of health, and deciding to do something about it. Unfinished at time of listing. Photo by aimoon
Sweet humorous WIP. Colin Creevey is selling photographs of student heart-throbs - so who will want which pictures? piece of by Harmonic Friction
A teenage Snape has an unpleasant and unnerving sexual encounter with a very loopy Bellatrix. Well-written and creepy, although it contains an annoying continuity error (describing what seems to be the Snape's Worst Memory bullying scene as having happened when he was fourteen rather than sixteen). A Pocket of Quiet by Alphard
Voldemort requires Snape to interrogate Lupin, which they fake between them. Poison by Estepheia
Character study, examining the slow build-up of bitterness in Snape's life. Potions by ls269
Very convincing long one-shot: six-year-old Severus learns about the power of things in bottles. Potions by Rachel Indeed
One-shot examining the strained distance between Severus and Lily in their last two years of Potions classes. Potions and Checkmate by Sterling silver
Neville panicking about how terrified he is of Snape. Power by xxfemmerubyxx
Severus ruminates on the uses of power, and remembers the stress and anger of his home-life and how his mother used magic to tip the balance of power in her favour. One-shot. Pretense by Elke fa Talia
Vignette: Snape thinks about how he hates the mask that he must wear, both literally and metaphorically. The Price of Magic by dreamweaver34
A highly original look at the choices a Muggle-born student faces on being introduced to the idea of Hogwarts and the magical world. A Prince's Tale by a true Elsewhere
Brittle, stylised one-shot which looks at the relationship between Severus's parents, and between Severus and Lily. Professor by Princess Evie
One-shot: fourth-year Severus is depressed by the Marauders' constant bullying, and Lily cheers him up by suggesting that he might become a teacher, and what horrible detentions he could set for boys like them.... Professors are humans by silvertabbyAKAmary
Amusing vignette of a staff meeting, although it has so many typing errors in a short space that it's quite hard to read. Qui Tacit by ThirdofFates
Vignette of Severus watching dumbly as Lily drifts further and further away from him; then himself drifting into the ranks of the Death Eaters with the same numb resignation. Quiet in the Library by darklyromantic
One-shot of young Severus trying to resume contact with Lily under the eyes of Madam Pince - but she is already slipping too far away from him. Quite the Catch by Half-drowned Dracula
One-shot: Peter and Severus engage in gossip and verbal sparring (more sophisticated on Snape's part than on Peter's) at a strangulatedly posh Death Eater dance. Rain by Smichiko
Tiny, atmospheric one-shot - the class of '77 look at the weather.... Rainbows and Silver Shadows by Pseudonyme Sylphmuse
Luna has her own brand of synaesthesia, which enables her to see the colours of people's souls. The Razor's Edge by Dien Alcyone
Snape writes in his journal before returning to the newly-reborn Voldemort - a surreal and poetic take on the delicate balancing-act that is his life. Reflections by manic
Dumbledore has a mirror which shows him things he would rather not see. Elegant, sad and obscure. Refuge of Spirits by Ella Diver Sophis
One of a pair of dreamy, strange vignettes, set during Chamber of Secrets and describing a flirtation between Snape and a senior student called Morrigan Le Fay. The writing is a little flowery and is full of horrible spelling and grammatical errors which suggest that English is not the author's first language, as well as eye-warping formatting issues [so you can't say you weren't warned!], but despite these problems both stories are intensely visual and sensual, and despite the name the Original Character is not particularly Mary Sue-ish - she's clever but she's plain, and exists mainly as a vehicle through which to describe Snape. See also Vanilla. Remembering Tomorrow by Bil
Snape dreams his own death. Retribution by AmeliaGallifrey
Intense one-shot of Severus finding a final reckoning with his father. Something of a fanon cliché, but beautifully written. Rhapsody by gare de lyon
One-shot: in later life, Severus still dreams of Lily.... The River by snarkyroxy
A red-haired little girl who doesn't yet know what she is watches a sad, dark boy at the side of a stream.... The Room by Doomspark
Vignette: Snape and Filch have a shared project. You may find you have to go to the Occlumency site and set up an account before you can access this story. Rosemary for Remembrance by shewhoguards
One-shot: Severus and Remus share a moment of fragile understanding whilst searching for Sirius after the knife incident. Samson Revisited by Mundungus42
Elegant, sad, fairly canon-compatible slash one-shot for Bill and Severus. Sandpaper Souls by Rameelia
Intense, delicately described one-shot of an emotionally-warped affair between Severus and Petunia. Save The Last Dance For Me by clandestine-miscreants
The Yule Ball is approaching, and a female teacher (never named, but not Sprout or McGonagall) teaches Snape to dance. Scar Mates by RaeWhit
Well-written multi-part story which is completed but had not all been posted at time of listing. It examines the connection between Snape and Harry in detail, with flashbacks to Snape's friendship with Lily. I may end up re-listing it as AU since, although it made great efforts to be canon-compatible, it was actually written before HBP came out. So far as I've read it, however, it does not appear to have been significantly canon-shafted. Scar Tissue by Snape's Nightie
Humorous one-shot - is Albus really doing what Snape thinks he's doing? School of Second Chances Part 1 Minerva by featherxquill
How Minerva first came to Hogwarts, fleeing persecution by Muggles. School of Second Chances Part 2 Severus by featherxquill
A look at Snape's history and how he came to teach at Hogwarts. Unfinished and likely to remain so. Scorch by eugene-the-artichoke
Sad dreamy evocative low-key erotic moment for Snape and Narcissa. Sea Glass by lollipop347
Sad atmospheric vignette of child-Severus on holiday with his grandfather. Severe Reasoning by Rachel Indeed
Long, complex one-shot which matches the stages of Snape's life from boyhood to death against quotes from the Sherlock Holmes stories. The portrayal of Snape as youth and young man is darker and more grand guignol than IMO canon really supports, but it's cleverly done, and stunningly well-written. Shack by tall oaks
An all-too possible look at what method Sirius used to convince Snape to go down the tunnel to the Shrieking Shack.

Shakedown series by unlikely2
Rounds; The Shakedown; Unreasonable Rhyme: the Verse Curse; Truth and Consequences; An Evening at the Blue Badger; After the Storm (which is now AU); Endgame (post HBP ); New Story (post HBP )
A whole sequence of stories most of which are both pre-HBP and canon-compatible (if you really hate the Ministry). Darkly humorous, with an underlying premise which is just plain dark. Following the first fall of Voldemort Snape was interrogated by the Aurors, and because he wouldn't betray what were in fact mostly Order secrets he was horribly tortured and humiliated. Freed on licence and on Dumbledore's say-so, the Aurors feel obliged to vet him at regular intervals - but he exercizes his ingeniously nasty sense of humour in finding increasingly maddening ways to frustrate and make fools of them, by way of revenge. He and Tonks eventually warm to each other, however. Shaped Like Bruises by Nanaho-Hime
Brief, sad vignette of Snape observing the signs of abuse in a student. Shards of Life by MissJinny
A brief look at how miserable and painful and dangerous it is for Snape to be so close to Voldemort - memorable for the sad creepy low-key conversation at the end. Shared Pain by Allocin
Harry has a moment of unwanted and disturbing psychic communion with Snape. Sherlock Holmes and the Ravenclaw Codex by Pavonis Mons
Very convincing multi-part Conan Doyle pastiche in which Holmes and Watson investigate the theft of an important magical manuscript - and the death, years before, of Holmes's wizard brother. Shimmering by lyin'
One-shot: Severus lacerates himself by going to Lily's wedding. Shock by LinZE
McGonagall is in shock after witnessing Barty Crouch receive the Dementor's Kiss - and Snape is being unexpectedly motherly. Shock and Awe by Azazello
Suppose that the Marauders' intention to strip Snape had turned out rather in Snape's favour.... Sick of Self by Samurai101
One-shot: Severus seeks safety from his house-mates by putting on a false front, until even he doesn't know which is the real him any more. The Silver Potion by mouse
Neville causes an accident which endangers Snape's life, and then helps in the race to find a cure. Warning for British readers - this story contains traces of the American liking for "cute kid" stories (even though the author is Canadian). Nevertheless, it's very much in character, funny and touching. You may find you have to go to the Occlumency site and set up an account before you can access this story. Since Feeling is First by Shyfoxling
Vignette of Snape, thinking about writing a poem. Sinners of an Unknown Degree by Demeter1
Minerva McGonagall musing on the way in which the Hogwarts staff repeatedly failed to protect and support Slytherin students, with especial reference to young Severus and the Shrieking Shack incident. Six Years, Six Applicants by Sarah1281
A humorous yet thoughtful look at Dumbledore's choices of DADA Professor, and Snape's annual arguments as to why it should be him. Sketchy Reflections by Vara
A delicate vignette of Snape trying to exert some influence on an artistic Draco, hoping to steer the boy towards exhibiting the same incisive honesty in life which he shows in his drawings. The Sky at Night by libertyelyot
WIP, beginning at the start of Harry's first year. Newly-appointed young Professor Sinistra dreads renewing her acquaintance with Snape, who knows that she once had a highly-embarrassing schoolgirl crush on him. Slytherin Pygmalion by Swallow B.
One-shot: Lucius feels that the new first-year has potential, with a bit of polishing.... Small Comforts by sevissick
A sweet snapshot of life and banter in the staff-room when Minerva is sickening for something.... A Small Truce by Mariner
Snape has to engineer Sirius's escape from Malfoy Manor without blowing his cover, and they both end up in the hospital wing as a result. Snape by the defector
Lucius suffers a sharp deflation of the ego, among other things. Sexually explicit one-shot. Snape drabbles by Shyfoxling
A series of drabbles which include Softer, a vignette of Snape, sleeping. Snape in Drabbles by Mary West
A series of eight clever, luminous vignettes of Snape analysed in terms of the seven deadly sins. Snape the Knife's Sorting Song by Textualsphinx
Sinister Sorting Hat song composed by Snape. Snapesicle by Meht_Prince
Songfic based on a song called Frosty by the Legendary Pink Dots. Much better-written than songfics usually are, and horribly sad and touching - a look at Snape shaping his entire life around the desire not to be laughed at any more. You may find you have to go to the Occlumency site and set up an account before you can access this story. Sniveling? by Half-drowned Dracula
Intense one-shot: James catches teenage!Snape at a moment of weakness, but his hand is stayed by a combination of uncomfortable sympathy and fear of Snape's bitter anger. Solace by Charis M
Very sad and very sweet. Minerva McGonagall finds Snape collapsed after an episode of self-harming, and does her best to calm him - by an unusual and yet (when you think about it) obvious method.... Sequel to Penance. See also Tangled Up in Green. Something Afoot by IlTopoPiccoloBianco
WIP portraying a sexual relationship between Snape and an unknown woman. Really this is just a PWP, but a strikingly well-written one and quite weird, being partly seen from the point of view of a sentient room somewhere in central London. The Sorrows of Lucifer by Dzeytoun
Elegant and painful look at how Snape sees his own position vis-à-vis Harry and Dumbledore. A Sorting Song by Dumbledore by Qoheleth
A Gilbertian attempt at a Sorting Song, in answer to A Sorting Song by Severus . A Sorting Song by Severus by Textualsphinx
The Sorting Hat is tired of composing a new verse every year, and in fact most Sorting Songs are written by members of staff. This is one of Snape's, based on The Modern Major-General. A Sound Like the Dashing of Hope by Snegurochka
Extremely explicit but emotionally-complex slash piece in which Peter Pettigrew spies on Snape making love to Lupin, whom he himself has always secretly desired. You may find you have to go to the Occlumency site and set up an account before you can access this story. The Spectacle by Rosewood Muse
Amusing one-shot of the staff interacting with an inebriated Lockhart. Spell Damage by Rex Luscus
Snape has somewhere particular to go at Christmas.... Spinner's End: The Handmaid's Tale by zafania
Surreal piece in which Bellatrix has trapped the soul of one of her enemies in a ring on her finger, until she has become lost in a sort of confused, timeless dream, and the woman trapped in the ring is trying to make sense of the meeting between Bella and Snape. You may find you have to go to the Occlumency site and set up an account before you can access this story. Spinning by aldalindil
Luna thinks about storybook heroes and valiant mice.... Spun by StoryGirl02
Elegantly-written one-shot showing coming events casting their shadow across Sev and Lily's childhood friendship. Unfortunately contains some rather jarring, out-of-place Americanisms in both dialogue and attitudes (such as dismissing a socio-economic group as "trash"). The Squib and The Potions Master by Ozma
Thoughtful piece from Filch's viewpoint, when he finds Snape injured after having been bitten by Fluffy. Part of a series of pieces featuring Filch. The Staff Meeting by jaderook
An amusing look at a very irritating, gung-ho staff meeting and how Snape copes with it. The Staff Room by saiyanwizardgurl
A staff meeting turns into a sleepover for Snape, Lupin, Dumbledore and McGonagall, who are all too tired to stagger to their own beds. The Staffroom Wardrobe by SortingHat47
An interesting and original one-shot which looks at Snape's and Neville's interactions with the Boggart in the staffroom wardrobe, as seen by the Boggart. Stains by Laiquendi
Snape trying to deal with the things he has to witness and cannot prevent at Death Eater meetings. Stark by Slightly Sinister Sinestra
Delicately creepy vignette of the young Severus choosing his wand. Starting Over by snarkyroxy
The day after the Shrieking Shack incident, Lily tries to make her peace with Severus and find out how he's been injured. Starvation by Pluto
Intensely physical (though not excessively explicit) slash piece portraying Snape as someone who shies away from touch because he craves it so much it overloads his senses. Stormspoken by tempestuous
Stormy weather and a generic sense of impending doom are driving Harry slowly up the wall, and it falls to Ron to comfort him. Faint slash. Stunned by the real snape
Complete multi-part story which begins after Minerva McGonagall is Stunned by Umbridge's forces, and traces a sexual relationship between her and Poppy Pomfrey, and how a desperately lonely, self-mocking Snape finds friendship. AU because Dumbledore is still at the school. Summer by Erythros
Sad vignette of teenage Severus watching Lily with James, and thinking of summers lost. Summer Song by wishfinger
Short, dreamy vignette of Ginny and Luna in a garden - very mild femme-slash. Summoned by SortingHat47
Shortly after his return to fully corporeal form, Voldemort forces Snape's mind in an attempt to prove his loyalty. Snape is left with memory-damage which requires extensive investigation (to establish what if anything Tom found out) and treatment, which in turn causes him to re-live flashbacks from a traumatic past. A tentative friendship with Lupin develops as Snape attempts to fulfill his Order duties whilst falling apart. The pacing is IMO a little slow - the investigation of Snape's memory takes a very long time and a great many chapters, all on much the same note - but the writing is quite affecting and gripping and there is a very interesting back-plot concerning Tom's nefarious schemes. Multi-part, complete up to a point but it ends inconclusively, with Snape still needing extensive treatment which will be addressed in the sequel. Sunny Days by Emily Waters
Long, beautifully-written one-shot which looks at how and why a doe might have come to symbolise goodness for both Severus and Lily. Surviving the Summer by Ras1
One-shot of Severus and Lily during the summer holidays after first year, showing Severus learning Occlumency in order to dissociate himself from a troubled home-life. The Sweetest Word by Charis M
Snape and Bellatrix as children, finding common ground in detesting Sirius. T by Kathryn3
Snape criticizes Harry's scruffy handwriting, but secretly finds it endearing. Slightly slashy if you want to see it that way. Tangled Up in Green by Charis M
Buoyantly sweet and silly vignette of Minerva amusing Snape by really getting into the cat thing. Could be seen as a light-hearted follow-up to Penance and Solace. A Tangled Web by zgirnius
Multi-part WIP which examines how Snape got from Umbridge's office, where he heard Harry's warning about Sirius, to the point where he became trapped in the situation we see in HBP. Tea and Poetry by Marauders Chick
A vignette of how Lily and James see each other (personally I think James was a nasty little shit, but they say love is blind and anyway it's still a good piece of writing). Tea Leaves by cecelle
One-shot which takes a sad look at Eileen Prince, forced by her father to leave her happy marriage to her Muggle husband, and the efforts her son goes to to save her, at least for the moment. Tea with Hagrid by hulahula
Hagrid tries, not very successfully, to take an interest in the bullying which the young Severus is suffering under. Teaching by isidore131
Snape thinks about teaching, and his determination not to lose another student after Cedric. Slight AU because it calls Snape a pureblood. Teatime With Albus by Dien Alcyone
Dumbledore and Snape both being creatively devious, in slightly different ways.... Teeth by godwit
Vignette of the first meeting between Snape and Hermione after the "I see no difference" incident. Tension by saphirefox-irl
Intense vignette of young-adult!Snape as a self-harmer, with a vivid impression of how stressful still being at Hogwarts would be for him. Territory by StrangeAffinity
Vividly physical (in terms of evocations of rainy streets and so on) description of young Severus's early days at school, and his awkward relationship with Lily. Unfinished at time of listing. That violet bruise by Loverly Souris
Young Severus tries to conceal the reason for his lateness from Lily, but she can help more than he expects. One-shot. There's a Good Girl by cathedral carver
Sweet, sad one-shot: Hermione feels the need to break away, even briefly, from people's expectations of her, and Snape understands exactly why.
Pre-HBP: added 16/01/10 These Fallen Walls by Honesty
Snape and Hagrid encounter each other in the smoking ruins of Godric's Hollow. Written in 2002 but still canon-compatible, since Snape is already a double-agent and has tried and failed to save the Potters. Thespian Glasses by striped-jaguar
Snape is such a good actor, sometimes he even convinces himself.... Odd little piece, which starts out joky and ends up rather grim. Thin Ice by Elyse3
In the lead-up to Narcissa's forthcoming engagement, the senior Slytherins including Cissy, Severus and Gwynog try to keep up a facade of normality, but there are dark currents beneath the surface. Three parts, complete. Thinking Fourth Dimensionally by Deeble
Set during PoA. Hermione decides to use the Time Turner to double back in order to create more time for homework - and to treble back, and to quadruple back.... Includes a wonderful vignette of Snape and McGonagall teasing each other. This Cat, At Least by Queerquail
A strange, sad little one-shot, from the point of view of Argus Filch. This Forest I Roam by Yuan18
Remus Lupin undergoes his first transformation from boy to werewolf. This is the Way the World Ends by Fox Murphy
A series of pieces which look at the deaths of various First Order members. I include it because it's beautifully written, even though some of the details are very anomalous and/or non-canon (she has fireflies in Britain - which are as out-of-place as anteaters in Nebraska - and she has Snape directly leading Emmeline Vance to her death, even though if he had done he would surely have said so to Bellatrix). Though, Still by PhsycoticPlatypus
Lily and Severus each, in their own mute, awkward way, miss the other. One-shot. Threshold by Kelly Chambliss
A dry, delicate vignette of Severus and Minerva as occasional lovers. Through the Looking Glass by Emily Waters
Sad one-shot: Severus sees his hopes in the Mirror of Erised. Every year his hope wears away and becomes less, but however little he wants he still won't get it. To Bury Smoke by Charis M
Christmas Eve, and Minerva tries to coax Snape out of his guilt over his failure to save the Potters. To Hate is Love by ShatteredPerfections
Draco's thoughts on love and hate. To Old Enemies by Unspoken Tragedy
Snape thinks about Sirius, who made him the man he became. Toil & Trouble by cathedral carver
When Hermione acidentally injures Snape during an experiment, it brings them closer together. Long, very witty one-shot, slightly OoC in that it has Snape handing out detentions much more freely than he ever does in the books. Trespass by Calico Kat
Snape feeling emotionally shattered after the Pensieve incident. I feel the author overstates the case slightly by comparing the experience to rape but the degree of invasiveness, and the quasi-sexual nature of the original bullying, would certainly be likely to make it feel like a serious violation. Tricks by Relala
One-shot: Snape's feelings about the death of Sirius are not simple. Turncoat by duj
A pair of double-length (200 word) drabbles. Lucius has self-serving reasons for ending up on the good side, and Remus has not-entirely-evil reasons for turning out evil. The Twelve days of Potions by LunaLovegood78
Amusing parody of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Twelve Bludger Quidditch by Marz1
Harry decides to work off a fit of depression by exhausting himself in a very dangerous solo game of midnight Quidditch. The Ugly Little Boy by whitehound (me, of course!)
100 word drabble. She was sure she would love him forever, no matter what her sister thought.... Ugly, sublime by Prue Halliwell Snape
Sensuous vignette: an unknown person hides in the shadows and spies on Snape in his bath. Unbreakable by Sandra S
A series of dramatic incidents from Snape's life, beginning with Dumbledore's death on the Astronomy Tower and then working backwards in time. Unconquered by Bridgie
100-word drabble: Snape reflecting bitterly on self-determination and the lack of it. Unexpected Grace by cocoa-snape
When Snape's Dark Mark first begins to wake up, signalling Voldemort's imminent return, Dumbledore coaches him to help him polish his now rusty Occlumency, in preparation for resuming his rôle as a spy. The history of their friendship is told in a series of flashbacks. Well-written and touching, possibly going to end up as slash. WIP An Unexpected Regret by Bridgie
Elegantly-written piece in which Snape apologizes to Hermione for the incident in which he told her her enlarged teeth looked no different from her usual ones. Unforgivable by Apothecaria
Originally a one-shot but now multi-part. The first chapter is set during Vold War One. Prisoner Severus Snape is being chippy and uncooperative, and Auror Moody decides to brutalize him into submission. He can't say he wasn't warned.... The second is set during HBP, and centres around Snape's realization of what happened to his old Potions textbook, and his nervous tension about Albus's, and his, likely fate. The third begins on a multi-part story set after HBP. Unintended Consequences and Unintended Consequences 2 by zgirnius
Medium-length multi-part stories (the first complete, the second WIP) examining Snape's life in the years immediately after leaving school - his joining of Voldemort, his defection to Dumbledore and his progress as a spy. Extremely convincing and feels as if it could really be canon. Until Death Parts Us by NorthAngel27
Beautifully-written, dreamy one-shot of Lily marrying James, whilst trying to suppress her doubts. Follows on from Ouroboros. Until it sleeps by XiaoGui
Tonks is sitting up in the kitchen at Grimmauld Place when Snape is summoned by Voldemort. When he returns, she has to help deal with the results, and realizes for the first time what a sacrifice he is making. Slight AU in that Kreacher is dead. Vanilla by Ella Diver Sophis
One of a pair of dreamy, strange vignettes, set during Chamber of Secrets and describing a flirtation between Snape and a senior student called Morrigan Le Fay. The writing is a little flowery and is full of horrible spelling and grammatical errors which suggest that English is not the author's first language, as well as eye-warping formatting issues [so you can't say you weren't warned!], but despite these problems both stories are intensely visual and sensual, and despite the name the Original Character is not particularly Mary Sue-ish - she's clever but she's plain, and exists mainly as a vehicle through which to describe Snape. See also Refuge of Spirits. Venemous Love by nortylak
Snape brooding over the death of Lily. Victims by FrogHopper
Snape agonizing over the callous way Slytherin students are regarded by the rest of the staff. A View from Purgatory by CloakedStoat
An extremely grim little piece from Snape's viewpoint, as he passes the time in class planning his own eventual, and horrible, suicide, by way of self-punishment for his crimes as a Death Eater. Visit by cecelle
Vignette: what do Myrtle's parents feel about their daughter, dead and yet not gone? Visiting Hours by Anla'shok Ivanova
Snape visits Minerva McGonagall in St Mungo's, to tell her about Sirius's death. Waiting by CreativeWords
A totally convincing vignette of Severus waiting by the Fat Lady to speak to Lily after the underpants incident. Waiting into Midnight by Grym
Drabble: Dumbledore waits anxiously for Snape to return from a summons. Warm by PatrickMcKinney
Vignette of a moment of prickly generosity between Severus and Remus. Wasted Beans by L.A.B. Salita
Grim but believable little one-shot of child!Severus's disturbed, dysfunctional family. The Wayward Wand by QalaChaki
Multi-part, humorous piece about the clientele of a wizarding brothel. Well-written and often genuinely amusing, although often also explicit to the point of tedium. We're all just breakable girls and boys by dramalil
Sparkily-written account of the friendship between Severus and Lily. WIP we can try to breathe together by this is not a pipe
One-shot: Severus and Petunia and a moment of shared loss. Welcome to Diagon Alley by tearsofphoenix
One-shot showing Ollivander's view of three significant customers, Tom, Severus, Harry - so alike in some ways, and so different in others. Dreamy and full of complex internal echoes. I list it as pre-HBP because most of the action is concerned with events up to Harry's first year, but there is a post-script which is set post-HBP. What Have I Done? by rae-sim
At the end of Goblet of Fire , Dumbledore paces the floor, waiting for Snape to return from Voldemort. What Snape Wants by Odd Doll
Snape seeks out a prostitute for something much more emotionally-complicated than mere sex. You may find you have to go to the Occlumency site and set up an account before you can access this story. What the Eye Saw by Asrai
A rather creepy look at the possibilities offered by Moody's roving eye.... What They Don't Know by FallenShateiel
An interesting look at Mad-Eye Moody's thought-processes and character, with a mild slash element involving Shacklebolt. Well-written, but irritatingly full of spelling and grammatical errors. When Snape smiles it doesn't bode well by Sprytes
Humorous vignette: Snape discovers a new way to unnerve the students. Whiskey Smooth by Cyranothe2nd
Hermione trying to deal with a Snape who has turned up at Grimmauld Place after a Death Eater meeting very shaken and very drunk. This was supposed to be the start of a multi-part SS/HG "ship" story which, nearly a year later, is still only the one chapter - but it's good enough to stand on its own as a vignette. Who knew James Potter could write poetry? by lime-oku
Humorous one-shot: James sends a love-letter to Lily - and gets a reply. Who Lives in Disguise by duj
Completed multi-parter in which Snape is assigned to teach DADA and Occlumency to Hermione during 6^th year, so that if he does have to go into exile he will still have a contact withing the Order. He is being difficult and aggravating about it, and playing mind-games.
There is also a post-HBP WIP sequel to this story, called Tell Naught But Lies . Who Needs a Hug? by cathedral carver
Long one-shot: Hermione always has a hug for a favourite teacher and a sappy platititude to go with it, and Snape gradually comes to look forward to these little kindnesses more than he would admit. Who'll Miss Snape? by KatyCullen09
A meditative one-shot, almost a chant, about Snape's isolation and the way he is constantly denigrated and despised. Whole and Human by Scorpio Grudge
Snape still eaten up with nightmares and self-loathing - primarily the legacy of the years of humiliation and helplessness he suffered at the hands of the Marauders. Why couldn't you give me hate? by Angeloholic
Sad, witty look at why Snape hates fairy-tales. Why Must I Always Apologize? by poetisa
Snape leaves a rather sour letter for Harry, explaining his viewpoint, to be delivered after his death. Winter Solstice by Rachel DuBois
One-shot: Snape waits for a sign of darkness rising.... Wishing by AmanitaMuscaria
One-shot view of how a canon character, to whom little respect or attention is normally paid, finally came to Hogwarts. Within by aldalindil
Stream-of-consciousness vignette of Lupin, thinking about the wolf within. Wordlessly by Super Lizard
A series of atmospheric one-shots without dialogue, centreing around Snape: in the first one Harry, wandering restlessly one night, chances to see Snape returning injured from a Death Eater meeting, and Dumbledore's combination of silent empathy and ruthlessness. I consider the first one as AU rather than Pre-HBP because if this scene had really happened, it's hard to believe Harry would have gone on doubting Snape as he did. The Worst New Years Present Ever by divoccae
Witty little vignette of Snape during his first year of teaching, baffled and alarmed to receive a gift from Albus. Wrong by wishfinger
Peter Pettigrew nurses an unrequited passion for Remus until it turns vicious. Years Ago by Mongoosey
Years ago, two quite unexpected characters had an illicit romance. Yesterday's Child by Slightly Sinister Sinestra
Sweet little piece in which Hagrid inveigles Snape into sharing a Christmas drink with him. Yggdrasil by whitehound (me, of course!)
Set during and then just after Order of the Phoenix : Snape thinking about fate in general and the two Shrieking Shack incidents in particular, in an authentically dour, self-mocking northern-English inner voice.