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The Sugar Quill
My favorite Harry Potter fanfic site, including an extensive archive of fic and art, and several places for discussions, editing help and reviews. I haven't found any truly bad fic in the Professor's Bookshelf, and everything else has at least been edited, which is a good sign in and of itself. Shippiness abounds and they're proud of it -- Ron/Hermione and Harry/Ginny rule the day. Some Remus/Sirius slash, but very few other ships. There is also some incredible fanart (particularly Tealin and A.L. Sauveterre).
After the End by Arabella and Zsenya
The definitive Harry Potter fic -- an amazing, intricate, detailed epic about Our Heros after the war with Voldemort is won. Established, fleshed-out recurring, and original characters fly around the wizarding world with equal glee, given very true-to-wizarding-life problems, relationships, fears and happiness as they try to deal with normal life after fighting to save the world. It's a more-than-novel-length story rivalling and sometimes exceeding the best J.K. Rowling herself has ever produced, and no, it's not possible to praise this too highly; it's spawned a subfandom all its own. [When you're done, I cannot emphasize enough how crucial it is that you read everything Arabella has written by herself. Hermione, Queen of Witches is amazing beyond words, all four books rewritten from Hermione's point of view, and done spectacularly well.]
Aquae Sulis by Honeychurch and Lallybroch
That rarest of creatures, a Ron/Hermione-centric story with an adventure plot. On the loose, on their own, trying to track down a weapon to give Harry the help he needs in his fight. A brilliant short story, well-written and characterized. Sweet, but not schmoopy.
Harry Potter and the Carnelian Key by Kellie
Another WIP Harry Potter epic, but intricately plotted, with payoffs in unexpected places. Kellie's version of fifth year is rich with detail, and perfectly characterized, with a wealth of wonderful original characters. Pour a cup of tea and pretend you're reading one of the books; it's not hard to do.
Harry Potter and the Fifth Year from Hell by Angua
There are a lot of fifth-year stories out there, but this is on my top ten list -- elegantly plotted and characterized, taking small elements from the books and integrating them in crucial, logical ways as the story progresses. One original character who has Mary Sue potential simply isn't, and the cast of regulars walks hand in hand with well-drawn original characters, and fleshed-out bit players. A WIP, but highly enjoyable.
Points of No Return by Night Zephyr
A rarity in Harry Potter fic -- an epic story with Ron as the central character. He's developed a new power, but with it comes a responsiblity that could get him and his friends killed, when his new-found skills come between Voldemort and his prey. And then there's the thing with Hermione.... Excellent dialogue and characterization throughout, with an original character your heart will break for; not finished yet, but worth the wait.
A Simple Request by Violet Azure
Then, for something completely different, go wallow in some bittersweet introspection. When Hagrid wrote Lily and James' friends in book one, looking for pictures of Harry's parents, of course Remus Lupin was one of the first he contacted. And that request sends Remus on a journey back to the days before.... Very simple, very lovely visit inside Remus' head in the days before he was reunited with Harry, when he still believed his best friend had betrayed everyone he ever loved.
Fiction Alley.org
A truly awe-inspiring (and gorgeously designed) mountain of Harry Potter fandom, sorted into four houses of fanfic and one of fanart. Don't be intimidated, though; everything is sorted by category, by author and by summary -- just hold your nose and dive in. Extremely heavy on the slash and UCs (Harry/Hermione, Harry/Draco, Hermione/Snape and Remus/Sirius are popular) for those of you into it; if that's not your thing, keep looking anyway -- gen treasures for both present-era and Marauder-era abound.
Broken Fate by Qui_Xux
From a future where everything went terrible wrong, four desperate children travel back in time to stop Voldemort's ultimate victory. I can see you rolling your eyes from here -- yes, they are the children of the Trio (well, some of them are), but no, this isn't the story you think it is. Qui_Xux deals nicely with the intricacies of time travel, the darkness of the possible future, and the adventures and relationships of the present (including the awkwardness of being introduced to a daughter who is older than you are). Some of the parentage is predictible, some will keep you guessing, and the final epic tale hangs together surprisingly well. Good characterization on the canon and original characters, nice extrapolation of possibilities from canon, and quite solid writing; pacing goes by the wayside a time or two, but gets back on track.
Harry Potter and the Heir of Gryffindor by venus
With all the fifth-year fic in the world, venus still manages to give her own voice and style to her version. Two original characters who have no business being anything but Mary Sues simply aren't, all of the usual suspects are portrayed with humor and depth, and the plot is tighter than you'll believe until the end. Not my usual style of fic, but that doesn't make it any less well-done.
Harry Potter and the Labyrinth of the Mind by Sandy Phoenix
Another excellent sixth-year fic, niftily plotted and strong on emotion, without going as far over the edge as OotP did. The OC gets too Mary Suish for my taste, but serves her purpose; everyone else is very nicely portrayed. The plot is tight and moves quickly, with strong action scenes and no punches pulled. A little Ron/Hermione, but mostly, it's just a good, strong read.
Harry Potter and the Silent Siege by swishandflick
A sixth year fic, and an intricately plotted (occasionally too much so), neatly done one, at that, as Voldermort sets into a motion a new plan to attack Hogwarts, but Dumbledore has plans of his own. I guarantee, however certain you may be know what's going on, you don't actually. Epic length and well executed, with nice characterization and an action-packed climax that makes the ride more than worth it. swishandflick entirely rewote the whole story to accomodate OotP, and did a brilliant job. And the WIP sequel is rocking my world.
Prongs Rides Again by BrieflyDel
One Halloween night, James and Lily Potter were murdered.... or were they? 13 years later, a stag finds his way to Hogwarts, and the world as everyone knows it changes. A lovely, almost poetic story of James' return -- the plot is solid and imbued with the best of Irish mysticism, and the final confrontation with Voldemort is gripping. At times, there's a bit too much poetry, not enough explanation, but overall, definitely worth the time.
The Speculum Curse by Hyphen
Slytherins cast a personality-altering curse on Seeker James Potter the night before a major Quidditch match, and the other three Marauders are determined to free him from the effects -- no matter what it takes. Considering who we're dealing with, do I even have to note that Wacky Hijinks Ensue? Fun dialogue and characterization, and at least one OC who's worth the price of admission.
Sugar Quill Maneuvers by Alchemine
A short, lovely encounter between two characters you wouldn't think of, and the fear even teachers feel. Marauder-era Harry Potter.
Symphony at PhoenixSong.net
Rising from the ashes of Gryffindor Tower, this archive carries on the tradition of representing the most reliable Harry/Ginny fix on the web, among other fics. Lots of fluff to be waded through, but several very solid stories as well, and a few absolute gems.
Bludged by Shay Caron
A little bit of Harry/Ginny, featuring an excellent Quidditch match, unrealized feelings, and a really nasty Bludger attack. Fluffy as hell, but it left me happy and WAFFy, which I recommend to anyone.
The Great Towel Trick by Allie Kiwi
Fluff, fluff, fluff, but very funny fluff, as Hermione and Ron plot to give the twins what they've got coming. Made AU by OotP, but who cares; we all need some laughs after that anyway.
Heal the Pain by aibhinn
A long post-Hogwarts Harry/Ginny story with one of the most absolutely original takes I've seen; Harry joins the Department of Mysteries, and he and Ginny struggle to cope with their losses during the War. There are some gratuitous plot elements that could have been dispensed with (Ginny Sue makes an initial appearance, but is largely overcome), the angst levels run insanely high, and the title is appalling, but overall, it's an involving romance with enough well-written action to keep it moving, and some really unique looks at the wizarding world outside of Hogwarts.
The Shadows of Silence by Myth & Legend
A really well-done sixth-year story that could be one of the books. A pretty dark book, yes, but a well-plotted, well-written, neatly plotted story from Harry's POV, spinning off threads for a sequel. Quidditch, Death Eaters, Pettigrew, DADA, friends, enemies, death.... It's all here. Harry's relationships with his friends and family are nicely drawn (particularly his growing friendship with Ginny), and all of the characters ring true. The plot will suck you in and keep you there until the final word. Definitely should be at the top of your 'must read' list.
The Hidden Tower
A site showcasing the work of writers Casca and Emmyjean (plus a few guest writers), and they're well-worth showcasing. Emmyjean's Crossroads in particular is lovely, a long James/Lily tale that takes all of the love/hate, teenage romance cliches that abound in that pairing, and turns them into something deep and special that will forever define Harry's parents to anyone who reads it. (Also try her Iris for a Remus fic you'll love, if you go for having your heart ripped out and stomped into the ground, in a nice, quiet, calm sort of way.) Casca's The Beginning of the End also rocks the house down, really well-done Harry/Ginny. The rest of the fic is largely Harry/Ginny as well, featuring solid writing, and often ending just as the relationship begins, because they spent that much time building it.
Seeking Ginny by Casca
AU after OotP, but Casca rewrote this long-standing WIP (now finished!) to include the Ginny who was revealed in the last three books. A wonderful exploration of the Wizarding world outside of Hogwarts, with really well-done original characters, and relationships that are far from simple. H/G from an adult Ginny point of view; she really has to work for it, and she will just break your heart.
A.J. Hall
Every once in a while, Kiki browbeats me into reading something For My Own Good. I usually give in after a certain amount of kvetching because she's usually right. Lust Over Pendle is categorized as slash -- Draco/Neville slash to be precise. But don't be fooled, because that's not what the story's about (it's also not about Harry Potter). It's about love and friendship and adventure. It's about what, exactly, a recently reformed supervillain does with no income and a bloody big ancestral manor to upkeep. It's about kidnapping, mental disturbance, Dudley Dursley's girlfriend, house-elves, cave crawling, the downsides of being the Loveliest Witch in Britain, daring rescues, percentages off the top, and what beer to order in an English pub. It's about some of the most hilarious narration to be found in modern literature, it's about the size of a novel, and it's about the funniest thing I've read in quite some time. A.J. has quite the gift for making unlikeable characters likeable without taking them out of character (annoyingly for me, s/he also does it in reverse upon occasion), so give it a try. Trust me. (Then, give everything else A.J. has ever written a try, including the HP/Vorkosigan crossovers.)
rabbit and ~v~Jinx~v~
Slytherin Study Group is another one of those fics you probably don't want to read in public, unless you enjoy experiencing the same humiliation that's gifted to the fourth-year Slytherins (and, eventually, their erstwhile enemies). A truly classic Marauder-era series of silly fics, with everyone involved so plausibly and hilariously portrayed, it's impossible not to see it happening. Including the sheep. Especially the sheep. (If you want some present-era snickers, try Knowledge Is It's Own Reward. Awesome characterization on Snape and Dumbledore, and you will not believe the situation.)
Balance by rabbit
And once you've read Slytherin Study Group, you'll get a few of the references in this truly outstanding fic -- rabbit is my new HP hero/ine. The students must rally to help the teachers after an attack leaves the school in a rather strange -- and scary -- situation. Harry and Draco are forced to work together with some of the best characterization I've ever seen for either, and the visitors to Hogwarts will leave you stunned and cheering. Intricately plotted, breath-holding suspenseful, richly atmospheric, and detailed down to the last torch, toad and broomstick. Absolutely wonderful and one of my favorite HP stories ever, and complete!
Marina Frants
I'm mostly into Marina for her fabulous Harry Potter fic, particularly Harry Potter and the Polka Dot Plague, a wonderfully well-plotted and characterized fic starring Harry and Snape; you won't see most of the twists coming, but you'll enjoy every moment spent both in Harry's head and in Snape's. Worthy of J.K. Rowling at her best. She also writes Buffy, Highlander and a few others.
sunshyndaisies' Harry Potter Fan Fiction
The Knight series is long and winding, and completely worth the trip. You can begin either with the many, many prequels, or jump right into Knight of the Death Eaters and Mark of the Hunter, and the ensuing sequels. Future fics, they find Ron a top Auror fighting the evil that is still haunting the wizarding community. Solid writing, the old familiar characters are exactly as you'd expect them to be, Ron is always a delight when he takes center stage, and the second generation of Weasleys and Potters are well-drawn without taking over the story.
Coda to an Epilogue: Twenty Years Later, Or The Kids Are All Right by Mistful
Harry's sons are lost in the sewers beneath Durmstrang with Malfoy's son, and their fathers go after them. Except that's totally not what this story is about. Mature, a little skewed, adorable, serious and basically indescribable; I'm not sure I buy everything in this, but I bought it more and more as the story went on, and it also entertained me hugely.
Naked Quidditch Match by Anya McLerie
A game of magical Truth or Dare gets out of control, and everything else gets out of control from there. Told almost entirely in 'Mmail' messages between all parties concerned (and a few that get dragged in purely for the hell of it), it's a brilliant parody, written with great affection for the universe by a mind determinedly dwelling in the gutter, and eager to take you down, too. Go. Read. Now. As long as you're someplace private where you won't disgrace yourself by rolling around laughing hysterically.
Registration by Sam Vimes
When they get roped into waiting to register James' unborn son for Hogwarts, Sirius and Remus have a long day's wait, and a small dilemma -- nobody's picked a name yet. Featuring several parents, one Weasley, some cinnamon buns, a very long line and quite a few giggles.
Summer Holidays by Penknife
Hermione, after the war.
Thirty Days from Chaos by The Sticky Wicket
After the war, after the trauma, there are still bubble baths, and there is still love. Wonderful Harry/Ginny that lets you believe everything might be okay someday.
Thirst by victoria p.
A damned interesting look inside Snape's head, and through his eyes at the Terrible Trio -- one member in particular. It rings with enough truth to make it thought-provoking, and enough perception to make it absorbing.
The Worst-Case Scenario Handbook: Harry Potter by rowen_r
Okay, technically it's not fic, but it's really, really hilarious, and absolutely essential if you want to know what to do if the House Elves revolt, if Voldemort has captured a close friend or if the other side wins. Go giggle.
Harry Potter @ Fanfiction.net
To quote the kind and gentle headmistresses of The Sugar Quill: "Houses a gigantic stock of fanfiction (approximately 93% of which contains pornography, obscene violence, very unpolished writing, extremely out of canon ideas, and/or ideals that go against the S.P.E.W., but still houses enough quality fanfiction that it is a staple in the everyday lives of most fanfiction readers." < g > Couldn't have said it better myself. As usual on Fanfiction.net, the ratio of drek to good stuff is extreme; it takes patience and risk to mine out the gems. Lots of slash, lots of Harry/Hermione and Ginny/Draco -- none of that's to my taste, so you won't find it recced here. But there really is good stuff floating around, honest.
Ashwinder
In Ginny's Gift, a seventh-year, war against Voldemort story, an unexpected birthday present from Ginny to Harry sets in motion a chain of events that changes everything. Literally. Solid writing and plotting, the characters and conflicts all read believeably, and you'll be holding your breath at the final confrontation. Then jump into the sequel, The Long Road Home, for another unpredictable and satisfying ride.
Iniga
Innocence Lost and Found is a summer-before-fifth-year novel unlike any other, centering on Remus, Sirius and Harry. As Harry's situation with the Dursleys deteriorates, Sirius is caught between proving his innocence and helping his godson -- three guesses to how he chooses. An incredible portrayal of Moony and Padfoot, so true to both characters you can hear them speaking and see them work their way back to being Marauders. Action, excitement, pranks, reunions, kidnapping, trials, friendship, and no shippiness in sight. Plus, it's complete, as are the two sequels -- Cyanide will introduce you to a Percy you've never met before, and Raised to the Third Power wraps the whole mess up.
Jelsemium
A Harry Situation presents some of the best dialogue you'll find in the fandom. It's the summer before fifth-year, but Jelsemium expands her focus far beyond Privet Drive and the Burrow. Lots of old friends, not a few new ones, and some people you thought you knew, but never did. The last several chapters are a bit tacked on, but too much fun to miss, her take on Lily Potter and the Marauders (through memories and mementos) is wonderful and, if you ask nicely, you'll find out some things about Animagi you never knew. After you finish, try Harry Potter and the Bookwyrm, a short holiday adventure with guest appearance by dangerous escaped criminal Sirius Black and, of course, the Bookwyrm. Nicely plotted, the Bookwyrm is a great concept, and the whole thing is worked elegantly into Prisoner of Azkaban.
Harry Potter and the Battle of Wills by Jocelyn (and Mum)
Alternate sixth-year novel, and so good I kept bouncing with delight; I so preferred this to books 6 and 7. There is, perhaps, a bit too much crying, but otherwise, it's well-plotted, the characterization is awesome (Snape in particular is brilliantly done) and the feel of the world is exactly right. The pacing gets a little weird at the end, but the finale is well worth it. Largely gen; canon ships only in passing.
LavenderBrown
The problem with much of Harry Potter fic is that they cover either a ship (most common) or a plotted adventure (less so). The Book of Morgan Le Fey manages to do both, and in spectacular fashion. And it's told from Ron's POV! As he falls more in love with Hermione, he must first win the girl, then figure out how to do things from there -- without flunking classes, getting killed by Death Eaters or Dementors, or going completely mental in the process. Ron and Hermione are both beautifully portrayed, Ginny and Harry are both rock solid (and not involved in this one), Neville is wonderful, you'll love the new Dark Arts professor, and Luna is not what you'd expect, really. A truly excellent sixth-year outing; the action is well-plotted, tight and suspenseful, the relationships are funny, sweet, mature and realistic (yes, all 16-year-old boys are obsessed with sex), and the writing is simply excellent. Outstanding, one of the strongest HP fics I've read anywhere. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to the equally fabulous sequel....
Melindaleo
The Seventh Horcrux is an excellent novel, incorporating everything that came before logically and satisfyingly. Fantastic characterization on absolutely everyone, awesome attention to detail, a tight plot, and two very satisfying romances. It's not all bright and shiny, by any means -- friends are betrayed and fall -- but you will be holding your breath for most of the second half. A satisfying end to the Harry Potter series, right up there with DH in very different ways. (Melindaleo makes one character choice that is highly debateable, but quite justifiable IMO, particularly within the bounds of this particular story.)
Mosylu
In The Home Series (beginning with Home for Christmas, continuing through Home Is Where the Heart Is and A Home of Shifting Sand), Mosylu gifts us with a sweet, but never sappy, series of Harry/Ginny post-Hogwarts fics. The dialogue is solid, the characterizations nicely drawn, and the stories will leave you reasonably cheerful. Desk Duty is another great read: when beseiged by a toadlike High Inquisitor, a librarian's got to do what a librarian's got to do. A quick, excellent look at one of the most underused characters at Hogwarts. And for a lovely bit of Ron-centered goodness, also try The Hero of Hogwarts.
Robin
Death Before Dishonor is yet Another Fifth-Year Fic, beginning in the summer and told largely from the points of view of the adults -- Remus, Sirius, Snape, etc. The action starts (where else?) with a plot by Voldemort, but that's only the beginning, as Remus and Sirius scramble to protect the children, rescue Snape, fight Voldemort, and raise as much havoc as wizardly possible at their alma mater. Promises Kept is equally great, a terrific AU that takes off from one little point -- Sirius was the Secret Keeper. A completely different universe, wih adult Potters and entirely different challenges for their son. Great voices, tight plotting, nail-biting suspense mixed seamlessly with gut-bursting humor -- you'll love any ride Robin sends you on
Shezzly
Beyond What Came Before is a fairly standard R/H story with H/G subplots(in their seventh year at Hogwarts, Ron finally catches a clue), but Shezzly just does a lovely job with it. Her Ron is dead on target -- clueless and such a guy, but sweet and willing to figure it all out -- and she also comes up with a solid Hermione and a quite good Draco. The plot is perhaps a little thin, but considering it's so not the point, it's pretty good. Aftermath is fluff and makes no pretense of being anything else, but threaded through the sweet Harry/Ginny romance is a pretty solid take on the repercussions of the end of the war with Voldemort, life after school, and of falling in love with the only daughter of the family you're currently living with. Some angst, some drama, a lot of snogging -- read it if you want to be happy.
The Treacle Tart
Fellytones and Fuzzy Slippers answers the question, "What will a wizard do for love? Apparently humiliate himself - daily. Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione alone in the country. Who thought this was a good idea?" Not the best writing ever, but funny as hell, with many sharp and hilarious comments on men, women and idocy in all its manifestations. A Library with a View is another of those "after the war" stories, but a short, powerful one, as the Trio searches for something to do with their lives when they've forgotten how to live. Ron POV.
Bury the Hatchet by Silver Phoenix
Seven years ago, three students defeated Voldemort. Now, Hermione Granger is a professor at Hogwarts and trying to forget that final battle -- until a threat to Dumbledore brings a familiar face blasting back into her life. Excellent future R/H fic; the Gryffindor trio is portrayed very well, mature versions of the students we know and love. Nicely plotted, and the original characters are a treat.
Harry Potter and the Song of Night by QuizzicalSphinx
A tangled, twisted and downright intriguing sixth-year novella -- I dare you to figure out what's happening, why, when, and to whom before the end. And that's not even counting the crackling dialogue and characterization, and some of the cleverest narration ever.
Just a Random Tuesday by Twisted Biscuit
Minerva McGonagall survives another very long day under Umbridge's reign. Dead-on McGonagall voice and Hogwarts insanity (including lots of minor characters who rarely get such a good treatment); you'll feel total sympathy for her even as you're cackling gleefully at the chaos.
Kiss the Girl by Fleur
Fluff. Fluffy fluff. Could not be fluffier if you beat it with a fluffy stick. Which phrase I swiped from someone or other, but that doesn't matter, since it describes this story perfectly. Everyone at Hogwarts is tired of watching Ron and Hermione dance around each other, so they band together to get the pair to do something about it already! Ginny and Harry are predictable, the other fifth-year boys are amusing, Fred and George are a little terrifying, and even the professors get dragged in, but things don't become truly surreal until Draco joins the act. And he's got at least 209 really good reasons to help.... Even as you roll your eyes at fluffiness that borders on parody (and often crosses the line), I guarantee you'll be snickering.
Midnight by the Weasley Watch by excessivelyperky
The great thing about having the same taste as a writer you respect is being able to pillage her rec list; Nomad led me to this story about Ron Weasley, Severus Snape, and chess. I didn't think a story consisting of an endless number of chess games would make fascinating reading, but excessivelyperky has an excellent touch for writing Ron (which I'm a total sucker for), and creates a sympathetic, yet still completely in-character Snape (which isn't so much my thing, but which I respect). Two lovely original characters and a bit of suspense round out a remarkably strong story. Give it a shot.
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