Avant le Deluge

With all the HP holiday fests beginning, it's not likely that any of us will run out of reading matter, so I thought I'd get in a few recs before we're all so far behind in fanfic reading that we'll give up and let the flood sweep us away.

First, we must sadly wave goodbye to hp_darkfest, which has finished its month of deliciously dark postings. There are still a few stories I haven't managed to read, but I've checked out most of them. Here are my final suggestions: (Previous rec posts are here and here.) Reveals will be soon; I'll add the authors' names once they're known.

Dashed Hopes and Good Intentions -- (Molly, Harry/Ginny, Albus Severus) -- A chilling, well-written story about how gradually and inexorably parental-love can slide from acceptable (if a tad possessive and skewed) to horribly twisted despite the best intentions. Both Molly and Harry misuse their children and would probably be shocked to be told so. Note the comments from vaysh11; very perceptive.

Unforgiveable -- (Marlene McKinnon, Bellatrix, Voldemort) -- Marlene is one of those name-only canon characters, but the Mystery Author does a fine job of fleshing her out in a harrowing tale of psychological breakdown. The author also makes intriguing use of traditional Catholicism, something we rarely see in the HP world and that I, as a non-believer, usually never think about. Moody makes an effective appearance, too. Don't read the comments first; they may spoil the nice twist at the end.

Reaching Out -- (Remus/Sirius) -- A painful exploration of post-Azkaban Sirius Black: the damage that's been inflicted upon him and the damage that he now inflicts on a confused, self-doubting Remus. Very bleak and believable.

But if the hp_darkfest door has closed, the hp_holidaygen door has flown open with a welcoming bang. The first two fics have both been winners:

Amor Vitae -- (Flitwick, McGonagall, Moody, Snape, Lupin) -- This story has it all: good writing, full characters, pain, humor, depth, even a heart-stopping, beautifully-done battle scene. And Minerva - Moody banter.

Duty -- (Regulus Black, Walburga Black) -- I've long wanted a meaty story about Walburga Black -- not the shrieking-portrait caricature, but a believable character, and this story provides her. It's short, focusing on a single conversation between mother and son, but it's beautifully revealing of both. Watch out for the killer last line.

And I'd like to second therealsnape's rec of Le Ténébreux -- very evocative and IC (Snape).