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Long Live the Little King

Status: Complete

Wordcount: 89k

Rating: Explicit

The war has ended. The ministry efforts to purge the remnants of the black magic related to the horcruxes leads to the discovery that Regulus Black was not dead but lost in time. Now, still in his 19-year old body, he is ready to take the mantle of the Lord Black and challenge the wizarding politics.

I am big fan of stories focusing on the Black family, this one did not sate my apatite. There are elements there are well executed like flashbacks of the past and the first person narration from Reg's point of view but they are outweighed by sub-par literary choices. Unfortunately there are multiple clichés that killed my joy from reading - forced proximity by sharing a house or wish fulfillment of Regulus being on a power trip to become the new benevolent dictator in the wizarding Britain to do away with crusty prejudice and stuffy traditions.

Making Regulus good looking, obscenely rich, magically powerful and devilishly intelligent makes for a boring protagonist. His inner monologues are tedious and his way of sweeping Hermione off her feet with grand gestures clashes with the repeated phrase that modern witches do not need knights in shining armors. Hermione in comparison to him looks like a plane Jane perpetuating the literary stereotype of dark and mysterious man falling for a girl just like any other.

With the explicit rating I was also expecting more romance and tension buildup. The romantic plot was unsatisfactory is how the relationship developed and awkward intimacy scenes that should have been steamy.

Regulus is a dream character to write - there are so many opportunities to introduce internal or external conflict and complex dilemmas. I did not buy into the story of coming back to life, easy adjustment and ploughing through to change the political scene - it all goes far to effortlessly.

4/10

Link to AO3: click

Image from Unsplash by ZHENYU LUO

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Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow

Status: Complete

Wordcount: 17k

Rating: Teen

The order is preparing to move Harry before his 17th birthday and before the protection on Private Drive falls. Hermione not very confident in her flying skills, ask Remus for a quick refreshers. They take off and discuss broom riding, the first war, the marauders era and the nature of lesser evil.

This story captures the conversation between Hermione and Lupin clarifying some of the important canon events - what happened to Lupin when Black was captured, the tendency of Albus to make decisions single-handedly, Lupin's interest in magical creatures and pests or the origin of his boggart form. Everything fits the canon perfectly and paints the picture in greyscale of complex motivations, flawed choices and unfortunate circumstances.

The fic has a didactic tone, I had the feeling we were supposed to sit in on a school bench together with Hermione and have the mysteries of the world revealed to us. Instead of one discussion late into the night that changes Hermione's and our perception by 180 degrees, I would prefer a series of interactions positioning Remus as a mentor. This would lead to a more gradual change in perception and seem less forced. Nevertheless, it's a a very enjoyable story, that can serve as a worldbuilding inspiration and allowing us see Harry's and Lupin's story in a different light.

6/10

Link to AO3: click

Image from Unsplash by Bruno Fernandez

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Icarus

Status: Complete

Wordcount: 20k

Rating: Mature

Thee female survivors of last war with Voldemort come together in a busy European club drowning their senses in thundering music, booze and potions. Parvati, Pansy and Millicent all carry an unwelcome baggage of traumatic experiences, piled expectations and fear. We follow them for over a year across the globe where they indulge in shameless debauchery burning through family money. No matter ]how far they run and what they do to blunt their emotions, some shadows don't want to stay in past.

The story is a kaleidoscope of scenes and events - upscales hotels and resorts mixed with deteriorating health, messy relationships, expensive outfits and emotional outbursts. After each cycle the bottom moves lower and lower leading to the unavoidable turn in the story.

The struggle with addiction is shown in a realistic way without moralizing or romanticizing its effects. It's simply an inherent part of the main characters. The limited narration does not also go into the reasons and the reader is able to make their own guesses if it's expression of self-loathing, unhealthy mechanism of dealing with trauma or spoiled brats' idea on living the live to the fullest.

A very well-done femshalsh story with ending at a hopeful note.

7/10

Link to AO3: click

Image from Unsplash by Daria Nepriakhina 🇺🇦

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Monachopsis

Status: Complete

Wordcount: 15k

Rating: Teen

History can run in circles. When Regulus Black dies with water in his lungs in a far-away cave, he is thrown back into his previous life with flashes of future coming to him as premonitions.

The main focus of the fic are the relationships between Regulus and the key characters are masterfully. We are exploring them through being shown proves in form of short dialogues and scenes with limited commentary; we see the loaded interactions in Slytherin common room, progressing alienation to Sirius, growing tension with Walburga.

I did not fully buy into the stylistic choices of choppy narration and short sentences. On one hand they fit with the topic of mental instability, on the other there are moments that seem forcefully edgy and would benefit from more descriptions or breathing room for the reader.

This fic leaves the reader with many questions about the nature of fate and predestination. And despite its brevity, it's also a study into the last generations of the Blacks.

7/10

Link to AO3: click

Image from Unsplash by Pawel Nolbert

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The Memoirs and Memories of Minerva McGonagall

Status: Complete

Wordcount: 53k

Rating: Teen

Minerva is over 130 years old and the great grandmother of choice in the large Potter/Weasley/Granger family. Coxed by her closest she start to meet a biography to discuss her childhood, days as teacher and headmaster and two wizarding wars.

I was expecting a collection of memoirs, perhaps even letters and documents spanning across over 100 years to give the readers opportunity to learn Minerva better. Instead vast majority of the story is dedicated to family matters and the process of writing the biography rather than the content of the memories. I generally dislike domestic fluff so the story was a disappointment to me.

Minerva as character has the power to tell the stories of world that does not exist, changing culture, social norms, relationships between wizards and muggles and repeated mistakes. This potential is only partially captured through sparse memories going beyond the canon and showing vague pictures of being raised at the beginning of 20th century or her initial work as the only woman in one of the ministry's departments. Unfortunately the sharp wit we know from the canon does not come through the story. Minerva could have been the ideal narrator but her story in the end is flat and did not resonate with me.

Something about the family's persistence to write the biography despite getting the no answer multiple times and dotting care that goes as far as sitting during the interviews or admonishing the biography writer rubs me the wrong way. Despite her age, Minerva is in relatively good health and in her full mental capacity, so the behavior of the family appears to me close to infantilization and control.

If you have the patience to find a few interesting sentences in between family bickering and small talk and are not discouraged by the focus on slice of life, you may enjoy this fic. I expected a witty, bitter-sweet commentary on the passage of time which the story did not deliver and I struggled to complete this fanficiton.

4/10

Link to AO3: click

Image from Unsplash by Debby Hudson

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Trainspotting

Status: Complete

Wordcount: 23k

Rating: Mature

Voldemort wins at the final confrontation at the battle of Hogwarts and the remaining survivors from DA and Order scatter and hide in the muggle world. Minerva makes her living as a muggle lecturer at second grade university in the UK.

We get to learn her form the perspective of two muggle colleagues, fellow tutors who are intrigued by the stern women - form her fashion sense, using a walking cane to her unfamiliarity with computers. They keep coming up with the most outrageous theories ranging from medical coma to escaping from long imprisonment. Their interests are peaked once Minerva starts receiving guests - a couple of teenagers claiming to be her grandchildren and an unusual hawk-like woman.

Little is known about Minerva in the canon, and I cherish all fanfiction stories that look beyond the façade of stern authoritarian, give her passion, love interests and backstory. We learn tidbits of information not through exposition but mostly seeing her interactions with others. The introduction of two female original character was a very good storytelling device, especially when one of them is extremely nosy and spends her time prying into Minerva's business. Writing a supporting character in a novelette that gets on the reader's nerves to this extend is a sign of talent.

The final chapter was unfortunately very disappointing and anticlimactic. I think is was meant as a story fading out, but it did not leave me the sense of satisfaction, closure or wondering what is next. Combined with previous plot points which appeared rushed, the story did not keep the same high level through its entirety.

A very good femslash story set in AU where Voldemort wins.

6.5/10

Link to AO3: click

Image from Unsplash by Tyler Nix

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He Can't Hurt You if You're Already Dead

Status: Complete

Wordcount: 31k

Rating: Teen

The story takes us to the summer after the Triwizard Tournament when the Order of Phoenix is reactivated in the Gimmauld Place 12. We see the comings and goings from the perspective of Regulus Black, the resident ghost.

This is a story that had a tremendous potential to be memorable - either introducing elements of humor about not so scary haunting or mystery and drama of two brothers dealing with generational trauma and seeking reconciliation. The author chose the middle ground telling a decent story that unfortunately does not do justice to the initial creative idea of ghost Regulus. What could have been a brilliant novella is just correct and does not leave a lasting impression on the reader.

I am always curious to explore the fall of the house of Black and I could not miss this interpretation. Despite not being to my taste for being too shallow, I am sure many readers will be able to enjoy it.

5.5/10

Link to AO3: click

Image from Unsplash by Andrew Neel

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The Hogwarts Potions Professor

Status: Complete

Wordcount: 11k

Rating: Gen

This short ficlet contains scenes and teachers' notes showing the inner working of Hogwarts. How would potions class look under a competent and safety-conscious teacher? If you ever wondered how the story would diverge from canon if only there was a capable teacher on the staff, give this story a try!

Many fanfiction writers would be able to find here worldbuilding inspiration - e.g. what are the skills necessary to be proficient in potions (and this goes far beyond following instructions)

A quick, pleasant read

6/10

Link to AO3: click

Image from Unsplash by Jan Ranft

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To Do A Weasley

Status: Complete

Wordcount: 20k

Rating: Teen

The Weasley twins start their final seventh year at Hogwarts with Umbridge as the High Inquisitor. We see their camaraderie with Gryffindor peers, day to day school struggles and new romantic interests.

The author captured the romance between Lee and George in a very realistic way with a doses of silliness, awkwardness and curiosity so common for teenage love. We also get the sense of standing on a threshold to a new adult life chapter and the protagonist cherishing last fleeting moments of unburdened childhood still relatively free of open conflict.

The author does not moralize or pass judgement, the 7th year Gryffindors choose different coping strategies with the twins leaving the schools as rebels set against the ministry or Lee keeping his head down and documenting others' experiences for future journalistic use. No matter the choice, the friends always watch their backs for each other is it in pranking or after care few snogging.

A very well written novel with a healthy doses of humor

6/10

Link to AO3: click

Image from Unsplash by Adrian "Rosco" Stef

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Revisionism

Status: Complete

Wordcount: 31k

Rating: Teen

During a regular day at the Ministry of Magic when Harry and Neville go with their day-to-day business an explosion shakes the building and throws them back to the past.

This is yet another time travel story exploring the nature of time, memories and causality - can events be rewritten once they happen? Can the knowledge of future events dictate different choices? We follow the main character through the major canon events trying to unravel the mystery of why they are re-living their Hogwarts years. On top of the mystery plot, both come to terms with their repressed feelings and orientation. In the original timeline they were considered war heroes always in the spotlight and they never came out publicly.

Doing things right this time comes however at costs of certain future events never taking place.

It's a well written piece of fiction focusing on plot and action with limited insight into the character.

6/10

Link to AO3: click

Image from Unsplash by amirali mirhashemian

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Shadow Magic

Status: Complete

Wordcount: 48k

Rating: Mature

The power the Dark Lord knows not is Harry's ability to see through shadows, move through shadows and command them. In this fic Harry gains followers from his first day at school, becomes popular among all houses and keeps the useless, evil adults like the Dursleys or Snape in check thanks to his unique abilities.

My main challenge with the story is the amount of bashing especially Dumbledore and Snape and not very believable speed-run to the top of the student hierarchy with people who he barely knows pledging lifelong loyalty to Harry. You may enjoy the fic if you are able to look beyond these shortcoming - it's a decent, self-indulgent powerful Harry story introducing a unique branch of magic. It's simply not my cup of tea and me preference is toward much more realistic works exploring the intricacies of psychology and worldbuilding.

4/10

Link to AO3: click

Image from Unsplash by Franco Cornejo

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Sink or swim

Status: Complete

Wordcount: 12k

Rating: Teen

A fully canon-complaint story retelling told from the perspective of often overlooked Percy Weasley was a delight to read. It starts with Percy overseeing their siblings during raucous playtime outside of the Burrow, takes us through this school days and ministry career to aftermaths of the battle of Hogwarts.

We see him idolizing Bill who combines social grace with academic achievements, fumble through the first relationship with Penelope and grown estranged to his family. The story adds so much needed depth to his character - a person who does not shy from responsibility but tends to take more then they can chew, so set on achieving success that admitting any failure would shatter their self-image. Percy is flawed but likeable and Oliver Wood helps him understand that he is enough as he is.

It's a very well written character study offering an interesting view on the main conflict told not by another fervent supporter of Harry Potter or Lord Voldemort, but rather an average person who got caught up in meanderings of history. It's also a story about small gestures that count and discovering that enough is plenty.

8/10

Link to AO3: click

Image from Unsplash by David Boca

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Is this hell?

Status: Complete

Wordcount: 24k

Rating: Teen

After switching the locket in the inferi-infested cave Regulus wakes up on a sofa in his brother's apartment. Unlike many other "Regulus lives" stories this one is not devoted to his act of defiance or spying but trying to find footing in the world of Voldemort opposition - with greasy pub food, strange appliances, scandalous interior design. On top of that Regulus needs to put trust into his estranged brother and at least tolerate the rest of the marauders.

The concept is interesting focusing on the few days after the miraculous escape from the cave. There isn't much plot beyond sulking around the apartment and marauders popping by, yet the story is not boring. Instead we focus on Reguluse's internal turmoil. dialog and the tentative relationships to the marauders.

A solid good +

7/10

Link to AO3: click

Image from Unsplash by Senad Palic

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I Know Not, and I Cannot Know; Yet I Live and I Love

Status: Complete

Wordcount: 32k

Rating: Gen

This fic follows the canon events exploring them through the brief interactions between Severus and Luna. Starting from the first day in the potions classroom where one unusual Raveclaw seems to be immune to Snape's acerbic remarks and snark. Instead of biting back or letting them under her skin, Luna focuses on brewing completely undisturbed.

Snape is his bitter self keeping all emotions behind the occlumency walls but Luna, through her unimposing presence, is able from time to time to rekindle human responses - trigger curiosity, elicit a chuckle or invoke protectiveness. These few moments of kindness and connection carry Snape through the darkest times. It sends also a powerful message how a few kind gestures can have a ripple effect on someone's life.

The story fits perfectly with the canon, where the limited POV never allowed us to see Hogwarts though the eyes of different houses or experience the gloom and oppressive atmosphere of a school year with Carrows as staff members. The change in narration and exposition to Snape's reasoning allows us much deeper understanding of his character - ambiguous, internally conflicted but also trying to do his best in the worst of the circumstances. The reader can reach their own conclusions based on authentic-feeling descriptions, layers of meanings in interactions and introduction of plant metaphors.

This flawless character study will tug at your heart and make you revisit opinions on some of the canon characters.

10/10

Link to AO3: click

Image from Flickr by John Martinez Pavliga

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Army

Status: Complete

Wordcount: 5k

Rating: Gen

This short story explores how DA and the year under Voldemort's regime has touched and changed the lives of Hogwarts' students and the recent graduates. Because of the fic's brevity we don't get full portrayals but we see through snippets of scenes how the unfolding events prompt the teenagers to make decisions and take actions. There is no judgement passed, no-one is vilified and the author stays clear from clichés.

Choosing a collective hero instead of focusing on a few characters is the perfect vehicle for showing the widespread imprint of war on the young adult population. The muggle generations in the past marked by great wars were called Lost and Silent, I wonder how the wizards will call the survivors of Voldemort's terror.

The writing style supports the kaleidoscopic scenes through simple language giving them a fleeting quality. I was a delight to read

8/10

Link to AO3: click

Image from Unsplash by Gayatri Malhotra

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Snitch

Status: Complete

Wordcount: 17k + media of ~10k words

Rating: Teen

The war has ended and Viktor Krumm retired from his sports career. Now he spends time uncovering remnants of blood purist and Death Eater activity across Europe. A series of anonymous letters leads him to new investigation path.

This fanfiction is driven by plot - we follow Victor through his travel across Europe trying to unravel the sudden spike in anti-muggle sentiments and discover the author behind the letters and cryptic notes. The read is highly immersive through inclusion of various forms of documents - letters, postcards and newspaper articles.

I liked that a background character like Viktor Krum plays a leading role and is portrayed free of detective clichés. The story engages also in speculation on how Voldemort's lead to ripple effect across Europe and how Death Eaters were avoiding justice. Once both mysteries are revealed, the solution is surprising and satisfying to the reader. A solid, enjoyable mystery story

9/10

Link to AO3: click

Image from Unsplash by Arthur Ogleznev

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Almost a Squib

Status: Complete

Wordcount: 47k

Rating: K

Harry has just enough magic to get into Hogwarts and barely enough to pass wand-based subjects like charms and transfigurations. He needs to use his other skills like sharp wit, hand to hand combat, familiarity with potions and inventiveness to make up for his shortcomings in the power department.

The story is a rehash of the 7 years with a unique take on solving challenges through the combination of smarts and technology. Some worldbuilding elements like the Kwikspell correspondence course are brilliant and other rather crude like the liberal use of dungbombs to solve various problems. I wished the fic was less of a crack-story and explored more in depth the capabilities of squibs who can wield magical items and are fluent both in wizarding and muggle culture. In this story being a squib is just a vehicle for showing out of the box thinking and ingenuity without doing into any socio-cultural discourse.

With limited length, there is not much space left for characterization, we rush from one adventure to another. It is expected for the reader to fill in the blanks with their own canon knowledge.

It was a pleasant surprise to see Argus Filch in a more prominent role. I also enjoyed to trope subversion, because we've all read an overpowered Harry story more then once.

It's a light-hearted fic you may want to read for the laughs.

6/10

Link to FFN: click

Image from Unsplash by Eric Han