The Challenge

Fanfiction
Title:	The Challenge
Author(s):	Cybele
Date(s):
Length:
Genre(s):	slash fanfiction
Fandom(s):	Harry Potter
Relationship(s):
External Links:	The Challenge (Swish & Flick)
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The Challenge is a Harry/Snape slash story by Cybele.

Summary: C17, HP/SS, Snape finds himself the subject of seventh-year mayhem. Response to the Severus Snape Fuh-Q Fest scenario challenge 81: Snape gets kidnapped.

Recs and Reviews

I discovered recently, and much to my surprise, that the first story Cybele wrote for the Fest, Le Lien des Beaux Rêves, was also her first slash story. She's certainly turned out some impressive stories in the relatively short time since then, including the Challenge, which was the last story she wrote for the Second Wave. The story begins two weeks from the end of Harry's seventh year at Hogwarts. As Gryffindor Quidditch captain, he's responsible for leading the rest of the Gryffindors in the annual prank competition with the Slytherins. This is one of those stories that starts out with what seems to be a straightforward set-up but deviates from what might be the expected path for it to take and becomes something quite different - deeper and more serious - by the time it's done.

One of the things I like most about the Challenge are the characterisations. Cybele has focused on one the most essential aspects of Harry's character, his tendency to meet a challenge head-on because it never occurs to him that he has any other option, even though the situation is one he doesn't want to be in. Similarly, Cybele homes in on some key aspects of Snape's behaviour. The combination of the two makes for a very interesting read.

The Challenge can be found at the Severus Snape Fuh-q Fest Archive

'If you are prepared' is one of the Snarry Classics and subsequently it's author, Cybele, is regarded as one of the Snarry writers. Oddly enough her other stories are hardly ever rec'ced - and not because of lack of quality, no. Their light, albeit stronger than that of most other fics, just can't compete with the fandomwide shine of 'IYAP'

In my opinion The Challenge is one these fics that deserves to be shoved before the public. For the public to read it, rec it and above all discuss it - and for me to know what others think about it, as I am in two minds regarding The Challenge. I loved the language and the humour of the fic, the slight irony. I enjoyed watching Harry and Snape dance around each other in their quest to always outwit the other. But unlike other Snarry fics, 'The Challenge' is not about love or bonding or attraction or sex. It is about power, raw power not softend by feelings or considerations. Only I can't imagine either Snape or Harry fight over power in this detached way with means that sometimes cross the border to abuse. The Challenge deserves to get more attention, as it is one of the few fics that makes the reader think. So I shove it before the public: This fic is strong enough to be poked and prodded, analysed and vivisected. I challenge you do to so! Maryx

Finding no sense in repeating what Maryx has already said, I'll just add that 'The Challenge' is one of those few quality stories which can both amaze me with their plot, writing style and action and make me fall from my chair laughing. Definitely my favourite of Cybele's one-shots.

Morrighan