History FanficRecs / HarryPotterForWantOfANail

* Recommended by KittyKat848

* ''Comments'': An absolutely superb story with absolutely flawless characterization. Sirius escapes a few years early, prompting Dumbledore to relocate Harry with Remus. Fantastic plotting and pace, with writing that approaches a professional level. Mad-Eye, in particular, perfectly continues his streak from Canon of being hilarious and a badass at the same time- if you can make it though the chapter where he goes undercover as a polyjuiced Harry-a four-year-old Harry- without laughing, you are made of some very strong stuff.

''http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6036153/1/Torn'' by Neurotica

''[[http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6036153/1/Torn]'' by Neurotica

* ''Comments'': Really amazed that this hasn't been put up here before, seeing as to how it's been around since the end of 08. A unique look at "Slytherin" Harry, where he isn't best friends with Snape or Draco. The characterizations are very good, and the plot really moves into its own. There are thirteen chapters to go as of the recent update. The story moves at a fast pace considering that each book is given a number of chapters equal to the book number. I can honestly say that this story is my current favorite piece of fanfiction -- including all of jbern's, nonjon's and others' works. A bit gory at parts, and has frequent cussing if that bothers anyone.
** @/{{MtheR}}: I have some nitpicks with this one, in regards to grammar and characterization and theme. I'm not sure that I buy all the character reactions mira mirth puts forward--something rings particularly false about Ron's, and Harry occasionally seems smarter than a teenager has any right to be--and I haven't decided whether elements such as the [[spoiler:retconned explanations for why [=GoF's=] plot was so complex]] are amusing, annoying, or necessary. On the whole, I'm hoping that Harry's something of an unreliable narrator. On the other hand, it's certainly the best Slytherin!Harry fic I've yet read, and definitely a good read for anyone who loves ridiculously convoluted political plots. Plus, sarcastic Harry is my favorite flavor of Harry, and this fic has plenty of that.

** I found the retcon above to be quite good, actually. This sequence of events makes quite a lot of sense actually, including the double-portkey.

* ''Synopsis'': Through an accident Harry and Voldemort's Horcrux begin to interact and Harry slowly begins to change. He becomes stronger & slowly grows aware of the sinister events that have perpetuated his entire life.

[[http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5924173/1/Goodbye_My_Brother Goodbye, My Brother]] by Hermione-Anti.Twilight

''[[http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5363935/1/bBetween_b_bRuin_b_and_bSalvation_b Between Ruin and Salvation]] by Kihin Ranno

''[[http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6163339/1/Harry_Potter_and_the_Descent_into_Darkness Harry Potter and the Descent into Darkness ]] By Aya Macchiato

* ''Synopsis'':Through an accident Harry and Voldemort's Horcrux begin to interact and Harry slowly begins to change. He becomes stronger & slowly grows aware of the sinister events that have perpetuated his entire life.
* ''Pairings'' Harry/Voldemort
* ''Comments'' This is probably the best "harry turns dark" story I've ever come across. the entire premise is that Harry finds the horcrux in his mind and decided to let it out, due to his friends abandoning him right after his name comes out of the goblet of fire. the horcrux doesn't turn him evil right away, it just makes Harry a bit more wary and a bit more morally ambiguous. The author does throw in alot of rather stereotypical plot devices but she plays them well enough that you won't care.

** Don't shoot This Troper, but she suffered severe HypeBacklash. She read the first five chapters and found it pretentious, despite being intelligent and rational herself. Harry is completely insufferable and acts nothing like an eleven-year-old.

** @/LostLenore: Seconded, although I'm yet to read the third part. Admittedly, I find that Voldemort is a little underpowered, but that doesn't really stop this fic from being great. Although it's set in the Trio Era, it really focuses on the bond between the Marauders. Since Rowling liberally employs TooCoolToLive on the Marauders in canon, their friendship here is quite bittersweet, as you see what might have been. But it's brilliant nonetheless.

* ''Comments'': Set in the Fourth Year (Goblet of Fire). One of the best fics I have read (and I've read hundreds), dark and suspenseful, with a hint of hope. Masterfully written by an author with professional experience, this story manages to avoid the pitfalls of many other For Want of a nail fics. I can also guarantee that the ending will have you pulling out you hair. This story is complete.

* ''Comments'': Better than canon, in This Troper's opinion; the characters undergo a lot more development. It makes minor characters from canon into characters that you actually care about. Plus, it's the only fic that has made her cry.

* Recommended by @/fatrat

* ''Comments'': A sweet sensitivly written portrayal of a version of Harry Given severe learning difficultys by Voldemorts curse. Also features a much nicer version of Aunt Petunia and Protective Dudley.
[=[[reviews:A different Fate]]=]

''[[http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4113087/1/A_Different_Fate]]'', by Lordhellabore

''[[ http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4113087/1/A_Different_Fate ]]'', by Lordhellabore

''[[http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4113087/1/A_Different_Fate]]'', by Lordhellabore

** @/LostLenore: Seconded, although I'm yet to read the third part. Admittedly, I find that Voldemort is a little underpowered, but that doesn't really stop this fic from being great. Although it's set in the Trio Era, it really focuses on the bond between the Marauders. Since Rowling liberally employs TooCoolToLive on the Marauders in canon, their friendship here is quite bittersweet. But brilliant nonetheless.

* Recommended by sauronlulz

* Recommended by Wookiee

* Has its [[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/ArcOfSacrifices own page]].

[=[[reviews:DaggerAndRose]]=]

* ''Comments'': The first few chapters come off as "the third book with Sirius' and Remus' names switched", but the fic gradually takes on a life of its own as more small details diverge from canon and the author makes up her own subplots. All the canon characters are IC (but Ron gets added snark!), the invented dynamics between characters who didn't meet in canon (e.g. Sirius and Draco) are done brilliantly, and OC Brutus Swift is hilarious. Remus has not yet come onstage, but the hints of Sirius/Remus are handled well. Best of all, Harry and Sirius' relationship gets the time and growth it didn't get in the books, making it Better Than Canon. Updated very slowly, but luckily not a deadfic.

[=[[reviews:DaggerAndRose]]=