Compiled by the Espresso Addict

Espresso Recommendations

Innovative and stylish fanfiction, showcasing the very best across multiple sf, fantasy & literature fandoms. Good writing in all its forms can be found here, including gen, het, slash, OCs, AUs, crossovers, future fics, humour & pastiche

Contents: 1010 recs in 235 fandoms; 65 links

Harry Potter

Neville Longbottom, Longbottom family

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Lust over Pendle by AJ Hall

'Various far-fetched theories were spun as to what exactly had happened the night Draco Malfoy went out to murder Hermione Granger, and returned some hours later, to tell his father that, actually, he thought becoming a Death Eater was a rotten idea, and he'd rather be excused.' Deservedly a fandom classic: AJ Hall has had a ball with Rowling's universe. The characters are developed far beyond the two-dimensional ciphers of canon (the author's vision of Narcissa Malfoy is particularly memorable). Although the pacing occasionally flags, the light humorous tone works well and the Bond-style finale is a romp. The sequel, Dissipation and Despair, is also recommended

[Added 09/07/2008; Drama; >50,000; Harry Potter; Characters: Draco Malfoy, Neville Longbottom, Narcissa Malfoy, Mrs Longbottom, Dudley Dursley, Vernon Dursley, Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, Severus Snape, Rita Skeeter, Pansy Parkinson, Colin Creevey, OCs]

Night-blooming Heartsease by Julad

'His Gran used to say that Voldemort was a silly boy in need of a very sound spanking, but that was before she Disappeared.' Among my favourites of the HP classics, this bittersweet novella is known for pulling off an unlikely pairing with grace, but at heart it's a coming-of-age story. The magical details are a real treat. A standalone prequel to Resonant's Transfigurations, it diverges from canon after PoA

[Added 09/07/2008; Drama; 20,000-50,000; Harry Potter; Characters: Neville Longbottom, Severus Snape, Ron Weasley, Fred & George Weasley, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Minerva McGonagall, Draco Malfoy, Penelope Clearwater, Justin Finch-Fletchley, OCs]

Triptych on the Sword of Ragnuk by Pauraque

'Filius hesitates — Griphook has spoken Gobbledegook, and it takes a moment to shift his mind into processing it, like cracking open a book that has lain closed on the shelf for many years.' This just gets stronger & stronger as the story unfolds to its deeply satisfying conclusion. Not one for Neville fans, perhaps, as his character gets pushed out of shape by the plot, but well worth a try for the exploration of goblin culture & the thoughtful take on Flitwick

[Added 13/06/2014; Drama; 2500-6000; Harry Potter; Characters: Filius Flitwick, Griphook, Neville Longbottom]