Er, so I'm supposed to rec gen this month. Actually, I was supposed to rec gen last month, but I punted at the last minute (sorry mods). RL is still nuts, so my recs will probably be brief, for which I apologize. But I hope the stories will manage to speak for themselves.

Title: Reindeer Games
Author: a_t_rain
Length/Word Count: 4300
Characters: MWPP, Lily, Snape, Slughorn
Rating: PG
Why everyone should read this:

The story in a nutshell: Slughorn is responsible for Hogwarts' annual Christmas pageant. This year, he makes the mistake of casting Lily, Snape, and the Marauders in key roles. Disaster naturally ensues, and hilariously so. The characterizations are nuanced, and the writing is witty and full of subtle (and occasionally chilling) allusions.

( excerpt under the cut )

Hello everyone! I will be posting for R/S fics this month. I am attempting to dig deep into my memory for my favorite and most memorable R/S fics. This along with another pairing is what I read the most by far. I will try to do a good mix of pre-Azkaban and post-Azkaban fics, and possibly an AU or two. I don't tend towards anything sugary sweet but I do enjoy a happy endings, but there will hopefully be at least one fic that has it's fair share of angst. Hope you all enjoy!

Title:Before You I'm Falling
Gaining Access: unlocked
Author:kyasuriin
Author Archive:katfix
Pairing: Remus/Sirius, with talk of other possibilities but not too much.
Rating:NC-17
Summary: This was written for joint_gifts about three years ago using this prompt:(post Hogwarts) Remus or Sirius goes for a long restless frustrated walk in the snowy woods, thinks things over or just tramps, gets lost, cold and whatever your imagination brings up, and is found/rescued by the other with a big thermos of hot tea etc.. No fluff, any rating.

Why everyone should read this: I stumbled onto this fic when looking for the link to another one I had in mind for recing. I was enticed right away because of the "no fluff" and the title made me think "guh". Sirius is perfect Sirius in it, he is masculine, smart, a bit of a shit and loves his friends. I am not a fan of a too soft a Sirius that doesn't come across as having that very male energy, which he surely exudes. Remus is just as strong and an equal match to Sirius. He holds himself back a bit but even with being that way doesn't allow Sirius to get away with too much. The writing flows cleanly and entices you to enter into the cold snowy outside where the story takes place. This particular description of Sirius is quite stunning:

In the sudden, brief flare Remus saw the grey eyes, just a few shades lighter than the clouds. Snow had fallen onto his lashes; they stuck out like the points of a star, making it look as if he'd been crying, which wasn't possible. Despite his penchant for the dramatic, Sirius did not cry, at least not in front of his mates. Still, Remus found himself oddly stirred by the illusion.

It's also steamy and the ending is perfect for how the story has been set up.

Title: Snatched
Gaining Access: unlocked
Author: blamebrampton
Length: ~30,000 words
Alternate Links to Fic/Art: in the author's LJ
Pairing: Albus Severus/Scorpius, some background older-gen canoodling, Hugo/OC
Rating: R
Summary: Scorpius Malfoy has always brought out the idiot in Albus Potter. For the past seven years they’ve dealt with this through a cunning application of denial. Now James Potter’s life is being threatened, and everything else is swept to one side as they try to beat the most literal deadline any of them have ever faced.
Author's Website: List of fics on LJ

Why everyone should read this: This is one of the most dynamic, plotty fics I've read in a while, and also a most original mix of magic and Muggle by way of magical television. I've seen a few attempts at creating it in various fics but I liked this one best. You can see how a magical TV news team works at the time of a crisis, and at the same time, how magic could be used in this field. You can also see what makes those TV people tick and what they do when their personal and professional interests come into conflict. It's utterly fascinating and believable. I also loved the details, such as who the initiator of the bloom of new technology in the magical world was, for instance.

Another thing to praise in this story is characters and their relationships: be they colleagues or family or friends, their relationships have so much variety, they are so credible, so interesting! And then there's politics! The story is 30K words that you'll read in one sitting because you won't want to step away. Absolutely loved it!

( Excerpt, mildly spoilerish but don't be afraid, it's within the first thousand words of the story )

luvscharlie here, and I've been tapped to fly the Rare Pairs: Charlie/Tonks crack_broom this month. I do hope you love the recs as much as I do. It was hard to stop at just eight.

Title: Caught Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Gaining Access: Open
Author: ragdoll
Length/Word Count: 15,775 words
Alternate Links to Fic: Here at hp_summersmut
Pairing: Charlie/Tonks, Bill/Tonks/Charlie, Bill/Tonks
Rating: NC-17
Author's Website: LJ Account
Why everyone should read this: Because it is smoking hot! There's plot, hot sex scenes, angst, heartbreak, humor, and everything about ragdoll's writing that brings we Charlie/Tonks fans running back for more. And while it may be all fangirly of me, I will be reccing one more of her fics this month as well. I do hope that you are only encouraged by the length of them. She brings you in and builds you up, so that when you're finished you never think, 'Damn, that was long!' Instead, you run to her "send this user a message" button and bat your eyelashes while you beg for more.

( Short Excerpt (short so I don't ruin it for you) )

Hi everyone! I'm thisaestus and I'm so glad to be able to rec Snape/Harry for you this month. Snarry was my first love when I discovered fanfiction years ago, and although my interests have broadened over the years, it's remained my true love, and trusty old standby. I've read hundreds upon hundreds, if not thousands of Snarries, and it's my job to bring you the best of the best this month. I plan to rec a combination of more recent favorites and overlooked older fics. I like my Snape snarky and difficult, and I like a touch of humor. I am fine with angst, but typically prefer a happy ending, and my stories will be in this vein.

To get us started, here is my first rec, The Sensible Garden, by RaeWhit.

Title: The Sensible Garden
Author: RaeWhit/joanwilder
Length/Word Count: Novel-length. Over 145,000 words.
Alternate Links to Fic/Art: skyehawke || author's lj (locked)

I'm sure there is a lot more fanart for this fic than I know about, but here are the links to two of them:
http://tripperfunster.livejournal.com/19413.html
http://tripperfunster.livejournal.com/19503.html


Pairing: Snape/Harry
Rating: X/ NC-17
Author's Website: http://raewhit.brokensymmetry.net/fanfiction.html
Author Summary What if Harry had not been given the entire prophecy by Albus Dumbledore? Years later, forever changed by that second part of the prophecy, Severus and Harry are pulled together again, this time by a common love of flowers and gardens.

Why everyone should read this: Imagine my delight when I realized this story hadn't yet been recced! It was almost an insta-classic when it was first being posted, and garnered quite a lot of admirers and followers. This is a gorgeous novel-length story, plenty of plot to sink your teeth into, and lots of beautiful language to get revel in. The author summary above is correct, but this story is so much more than that. A Snape befriended by a little girl. A mystery potion. Snape and Harry who meet again as adults, after Dumbledore and Voldemort are both gone. An extremely well researched language of flowers and plants, and first-rate, descriptive and inventive writing about potions. It is tender and charming and a must-read!

WarningsThere are OCs, which I normally do not enjoy but are extremely well-written here. Character death, but not Harry or Snape.

Title: Silver lining
Artist: reallycorking 
Rating: G
Pairing: Harry/Ginny
Artist website: corkart 
Why you chose this piece: This piece of art was made for hg_silverlining , and as every single piece of art made by reallycorking  is just gorgeous. I love her Ginny and her Harry, they are fiery and passionated. When I first saw this fanart, it made me giddy and gave me a warm fuzzy feeling of happiness. I think that's one of the main things about her work, at least for me, her art make me feel stuff.

Hello dears,

one of your mods decided to stretch her stiff joints and rec next gen for this month. I'm a slasher so please don't expect het recs from me. Both slash and gen are a fair game though.

Title: The Road Less Traveled
Gaining Access: unlocked
Author: Scoradh (scoradh)
Length: novel-length
Alternate Links to Fic/Art: none so far
Pairing: Albus Severus/Scorpius
Rating: PG-13
Summary: No matter how well prepared you think you are, life can always surprise you.
Author's Website: rainspots (fic journal), author's page at Skyehawke, author's page at the Fiction Alley
Sequel: Three Steps Back

Why everyone should read this: I believe this is the fic to read if you like next gen fics or if you want to sample one. I'm delighted that it hasn't been recced here before because it means that I can rec it.

This fic is a feast and a joy. I couldn't believe my eyes when Scoradh began posting it so soon after the release of DH. Another writer would probably need a year to transform their thoughts and feelings caused by the new book into a fanfic that rich and wonderful. Not Scoradh though. I was looking forward to each next chapter even when I was drowning in work, and it never disappointed.

If you like original characters, run, don't walk! Scoradh writes them best. Rambo Dursley will steal your heart, Norma and Titania Abbott will make you laugh out loud with their antics and differences. Scoradh has an amazing talent of fleshing things out. Her characters live and breathe; you will know and love them like your best friends. If you don't like original characters, give this story a try. Because if something could change your mind, this fic is it.

"The Road Less Traveled" and sequel are plotty. They encompass several school years so you'll see Albus and Scorpius (and their friends) grow from the lovely children they are to teenagers. In "Three Steps Back" Rambo Dursley is back, and we get to see Lily who’s grown into a wonderful geek. Scorpius is aloof and mysterious and a denial queen, and Albus got a Very Serious Teenage Problem but didn’t lose his levelheadedness in everything else.

This is my absolutely favourite next gen fic. Highly recommended, with stars, sparkles, and roses.

( Sneak a peek at the beginning )

Hello. I'm firefly_124 and I'll be flying in the Snupin recs this month.

Title: Unbroken
Author: innerslytherin
Length/Word Count: ~9100
Pairing: SS/RL
Rating: PG-13
Summary: If someone swears an unbreakable vow, they cannot die until the vow is completed...
Author's Website: innerslytherin's Fic Table of Contents
Why everyone should read this: There’s something particularly enjoyable about fics that take a non-canon ship through canon events and shows how those events can be interpreted in a different light. This one starts in HBP and continues through and a bit past DH doing exactly that. And, always a bonus, there’s a likable Tonks.

( Excerpt )

Title: Warmer With You
Artist: kath_ballantyne
Pairing: Ron/Hermione
Rating: G
Author's Website: kath_ballantyne
Why everyone should read this: I'm a little biased maybe with this piece, because it was drawn for me but kath_ballantyne always draws amazing, beautiful stuff and this is no exception.

It's warm, and squishy, and cozy; they both look so carefree and comfortable just sitting with each other. In my head, this is not so long after the war and they're just enjoying being with each other and not having to worry about anything. It's wonderful to see them like this after everything they've been through. It's such a gorgeous Autumn picture, perfect for this type of year!

xxx

Title: King
Gaining Access: Must be member of BedChamber @ Checkmated.com
Author: Ambergreene
Length/Word Count:
Alternate Links to Fic/Art: None that I can find
Pairing: Ron/Hermione
Rating: NC-17
Author's Website: Author Page @ Checkmated
Summary: In less than a week, Ron will be going off to Auror training. Problem is, he hasn't told Hermione how he feels about her. Will he have the courage to finally admit he loves her, or does he need to be hit on the head to get the point?
Why everyone should read this: This is one of the first fanfics I ever read and it still remains close to my heart. It was written in 2003, so well before we knew everything and I love how Ambergreene has a future for the two of them before she knew everything. It's sugary sweet and fluffy, but hot at the same time with a bit of lovely UST at the beginning. I adore fics that were written before we knew everything!

Title: No Time For Ducking
Gaining Access: Open.
Author: godricgal
Length/Word Count: Chaptered: 18,500 words
Alternate Links to Fic/Art: LJ
Pairing: Remus/Tonks
Rating: M/R
Author's Website: Masterlist
Why everyone should read this: This is among my very favourite R/T fics, and I was amazed that it hadn't been recced here yet. Like rather a lot of fics in this pairing, it begins near the beginning of OotP, but this one really stands out. These versions of Remus and Tonks are both adorable, and there is romance that manages to be lovely without being sappy. It's balanced with rather a lot of gentle silliness that makes this fic seem very real and very true to both characters. Also, there is a conversation about ducks, which is always good in my book!

( EXCERPT )

Hello I am mollyssister and I shall be your threesome reccer for the month. I am looking forward to sharing some of my favorites with you. Here we go!

Title: How Hermione Granger Lost her Hymen & Found True Love (or why Ronald Weasley should have practiced harder at Quidditch, but Snape & Malfoy were a safe pair of hands.
Gaining Access: open
Author: shiv5468
Length/Word Count: 1,956
Alternate Links to Fic: here
Pairing: RW/HG, HG/SS/LM
Rating: PG
Author's Website: Shiv’s LJ
Why everyone should read this: I can just hear you asking me how can a threesome be rated PG? Well there are no actual naked parts in this one shot. There is however lots of highly amusing discussion regarding sexual positions, Ron is a wanker, the proper flogger and of course Hermione’s hymen. This story is a hoot! Give it a go!
( exerpt )

Title: The Fallout
Gaining Access: No Restrictions
Author: Sage | everythursday
Length/Word Count: WIP | 20 Chapters | 111,907 Words
Pairing: Draco/Hermione
Rating: NC-17
Author's Website: Sage's Coloured Grey author page
Why everyone should read this: This is one of my favorite D/Hr fics. On my growing list, it has remained in the top 5 ever since I was lucky enough to stumble upon it. Sage is an author who is often recommended for her The Symmetrical Transit but for me this piece is the real gem of her writing. Her characters and the world she creates with them is so realistic that I find myself unable to stop reading. Her writing style and description connects the reader to the emotions of the story as if one is able see/feel the experience of the character. Coming back to it always reminds me of all the things I want to find in every piece of writing. It's hard to put into words just how amazing the experience of reading The Fallout is, and especially difficult to pick only one small excerpt. This one is pretty spoiler-free, but still one of my favorite parts.

( EXCERPT: )

Hello, I'll be bringing the H/G love this month. I don't have a particular kind of fic that I like the most, so i'll try to make my recomendations as eclectics as possible. No "what if they were muggles" fics though, those bore me.

Title: Tied togethet
Gained access: public
Author: stmargarets 
Length/word count: 4,500 words, aprox
Alternate link: none that I know
Pairing: Harry/Ginny
Rating: PG-13
Author's website: stmargarets  post @ catchmysnitch  here . Siye. PhoenixSong
Why everyone should read this: Harry and Ginny are real in this fic, they get into a huge fight over something little, like so many grown ups do. Yes, this is a post-dh fic and yes, they are married and the kids are in the mix, but it's a refreshing look at the ship most people don't like because they lived happily ever after. They do, but happily ever after also means awful fights from time to time. As most H/G shippers, I love stmargarets  fics, specially when she ventures in something less fluffy, she manages to give them sustance. Plus there's tiny and mistreated Harry and how his childhood issues affect his relationship with his family. And Albus just being cute.

Title: On the Proper Appreciation and Manipulation of Pricks, by Fleur Delacour, Triwizard Champion
Gaining Access: Public
Author: snegurochka_lee
Length/Word Count: ~11,600
Pairing: Snape/Lupin, Snape/Lupin/Bill/Fleur
Rating: NC-17
Author's Website: Her fic website
Why everyone should read this: For pure, burning Snupin hotness, I always know I can trust snegurochka_lee to deliver, and this fic is excellent proof of that. Guh! Bill…and Remus…and Severus…and Fleur, who narrates the entire story with a smutty pragmatism that kills me dead. So, yes, yes, there is an amazing foursome in this fic, and several other gorgeous and intimate scenes, but damn if the intensity and depth of the characters isn’t just as important. The pure romance between Snape and Lupin, trying to make it work during DH (this is canon compliant during DH Snupin, people!) makes me weak-kneed. Don’t miss this fic!
( Excerpt: )

Title: Enchanted Italy
Gaining Access: Public
Author: ellid
Length/Word Count: ~3,200
Pairing: Snape/Lupin
Rating: PG-13
Why everyone should read this: In the interest of full disclosure, this was written for me in the dear_santa exchange last year, but I would love it just as much if I had merely stumbled upon it one day. This is one of those rare gems, a successfully executed fic written in second-person. Post-DH, Remus is sent to recover in Florence, and his neighbor is a strange and familiar figure. Who could it be?? :) The prose here is lush and romantic and delicious, including some absolutely mouth-watering food descriptions. ellid builds the scene slowly, at the pace of recovery, both mental and physical. A simply lovely piece of work!

( Excerpt: )

Title: Brown Ribbon | UNLOCKED
Gaining Access: You just have to click on a button that says you're old enough to read NC-17 fics.
Author: switchknife
Length/Word Count: ~2500
Alternate Links to Fic/Art: none that I could find
Pairing: Ginny/Hermione
Rating: NC-17
Author's Website: weapon of choice
Why everyone should read this: I have a fondness for wartime AU's, where the war stretches on for many years and the students are soldiers. (Of course, in this case the story was written before canon closed, so I'm not sure if it counts as AU, exactly.) In this fic, Ginny is working closely with Snape as a strategist, planning attacks that put her friends in constant danger. She is also sharing her bed with Hermione, a fellow soldier with whom she begins a sexual relationship.

I loved the grittiness of the setting. The characters are thin and worn down after years living underground and watching friends and family members die in battle. The relationship between the two girls is mesmerizing in its stark details. I wholeheartedly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys darker fics. There's also a hint of Snape/Dumbledore, but not enough to be squicky to those that don't like the pairing.

Also, I was going to recommend a bunch of other fics this month, but I lost a bunch of the links. :( But I look forward to possibly reccing femslash again in the future, so hopefully I'll get a chance to ramble about those fics some other time. :)

Title: Found Object
Author: cjmarlowe
Length/Word Count: 10,500 words
Alternate Links to Fic/Art: Found Object @ hp_springsmut
Pairing: Remus/Draco
Rating: NC-17
Author's Website: cj's coffeehouse
Why everyone should read this:

Not long after Dumbledore's death, Remus Lupin goes for a walk in the Forbidden Forest. There he finds a body, barely breathing, dirty and mauled by one Fenrir Greyback. But will the victim, Draco Malfoy, turn out to be a werewolf? Only the next full moon can tell them for certain.

The story presents a compelling picture of three characters who are betwixt and between -- Draco Malfoy, no longer in good stead with the Death Eaters; Remus Lupin, on a break from his mission to infiltrate and influence groups of werewolves; and Nymphadora Tonks, exchanging her tenuous hope that Remus will come to love her for an unshakable determination to bring Draco into custody for his criminal affiliations.

The story moves with a kind of wary energy while Remus imagines how Draco might be saved, as Draco begins to imagine there are other options for him aside from Azkaban or death, and as Tonks keeps a steady eye on them both. And as Remus and Draco grow closer, as Remus makes promises that Draco begins to believe and hold dear, days pass, bringing them closer to the next full moon and the answer about Draco's fate. cjmarlowe constructs a compelling tale of Remus and Draco, creating a convincing scenario for them to meet halfway and perhaps find they have more in common than they realize.

( excerpt )

Title: Recollection (unlocked)
Author: switchknife
Length: 500 words
Pairing: Ron/Lucius
Rating: R
Summary: Lucius Malfoy seduces Ron to the dark side.
Author's Website: here
Why everyone should read this: Let's wind up this round with a short, sharp blast from the past - one of those sparse little ficlets I love that manage to say a lot, and imply even more, in a few short words. There's a world of hurt, damage and ambiguous feelings here, mostly Ron's, which I think sums up the pairing pretty well. :)

( Snippet )