Ah, what can I say about Arrisha (@arrisha-ao3)? What a gift to fandom she is! (Or a curse, if you've read her work and are still curled up in the fetal position over them.) (But let's be real...still a blessing!) (Having your heart and soul broken to that extent is brutal, yeah, but it also builds character!)
That is to say...I am blown away by Arrisha's skill. Everything is built for maximum impact. The detail, the prose, the rhythm of her work; the characterizations, the relationship development, the knowledge of human nature, the thoughtful portrayal of emotion...Geez Louise. This is one smart, skillful lady. And she uses all of that mastery to emotionally torment us create art. Not only great works in of themselves, but very bold works. Not merely a clever stringing of words, or an interesting plot, but fearlessly charging ahead with the demands of her muse, and not shying away from brutal tales or tragic endings. Not everyone is built for that sort of storytelling, let alone the risk inherent in sharing said works, not knowing how they will be received. Spine of steel this one, I swear.
So okay, I'm a fan, yeah, what about it? Can you blame me?? But Arrisha is more than just a remarkable creator. She is a very sweet, humble, smart person. One so passionate for fandom, and creation, and with an excellent taste in ships, let me tell you (hehe.) Also, in fics! I made a very wise choice the day I traipsed through her AO3 bookmarks. What a legend, she is! I am so glad to share a fandom space with her, and so glad to know her!
So here are a few fics you should definitely check out. And as a bonus, you can listen to her interview on the Snape Chat podcast here!
Harry/Severus. Rated: E. Words: 156,694. Postwar. Character study. Abuse. Dysfunctional relationship. Possessive behavior. Slow burn. Big angst. Series (2 parts.)
Severus Snape has been in prison for the past six years, but it’s not what you think—life in Azkaban is never boring. Yaxley’s atrocious gang is on the rampage (again), the canteen’s newspapers are absolutely scandalous, kitchen duty pays well, and smuggling in potions from time to time grants Severus protection and free tobacco.
His peace of mind is disturbed when Harry Potter comes to visit.
(Now, surely a mischievous secret must be hiding behind that. Only it’s not the one Severus thinks.)
Harry/Severus. Rated: M. Words: 7,189. Infidelity. Hinny. Harry/others. Snarry Swap 2014.
Arrisha's other works are highly praised, and rightly so, but this is my personal favorite! It ticks all of my boxes. A short fic that packs a punch. Mega angst. Postwar life not being all Harry hoped. The difficult Snarry dynamic. Chef's kiss, truly, I'm in love!
Snape used to have a secret; Harry only now begins to realise his own.
Harry/Severus. Rated: M. Words: 200,436. Creator Chose Not to Use Archive Warnings (reader discretion advised.) Canon compliant. Student/teacher. Slow burn. Fluff & angst. Drama & romance. Forbidden love. Enemies to lovers. Tragedy. Character Study. One of the best!!!!
A short-lived series of private lessons took place after Christmas in Harry Potter's fifth school year, during which Severus Snape attempted to teach Harry the skill of Occlumency. The lessons were ultimately cancelled when Harry was caught prying into Snape's memories, discovering the strangest things: A mysterious prophecy connected Harry's fate with Voldemort's, Harry's dad was an insufferable bully, and Severus Snape had been in love with Harry's mum. Naturally, Harry now has a million questions. Snape would prefer to answer none.
The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes. The same question arises in every soul: "For what, for whom, must I kill and be killed?"
...Or, a classic approach to stubbornness.
for an explanation about Mutuals March, or to figure out why i wrote you a thing, please check out this post.
