The Familiar
| Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | The Familiar |
| Author(s): | Resonant |
| Date(s): | 05 October 2002 |
| Length: | 40K |
| Genre(s): | slash fanfiction |
| Fandom(s): | Harry Potter |
| Relationship(s): | |
| External Links: | The Familiar at AO3 The Familiar at in medias Res |
Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
The Familiar is a Harry/Snape slash story by Resonant.
Summary: A potion goes awry.
Alina (sutlers) created a graphic novel adaptation of the story around 2005–2006.[1] Callili posted a German translation in 2013.
Outtakes and Sequel
- Outtake from "The Familiar" by Resonant
- Another outtake from "The Familiar" by Resonant
- Wellspring, anniversary sequel
Recs and Reviews
Like Marina's story above, the Familiar contains a deft mix of comedy and more serious issues which really suits this particular fandom universe. On the surface, this story is fairly straightforward: at the end of his seventh year, after the war is over, Harry declares that he doesn't care where he goes so long as he's no longer at Hogwarts. Then he accidentally turns himself into a frog and spends an amphibious Summer under Snape's care.This is a simple story which somehow ends up being more substantial than scores of multiple part epics out there. Every word matters, and every time I read this story I notice extra little bits and pieces which contribute to the overall effect of the piece.
The Familiar is one of those stories in which the characters make a personal journey while remaining physically in the same place. Harry, in particular, is making several journeys at once, including recovering from the effects of the war and finding his way to a fulfilling life. It's a journey that takes him from the last vestiges of childhood to true adulthood, and from a schoolboy's unequal dealings with his teacher to a balanced relationship between two adults.
The Familiar and other stories by Resonant can be found at in medias Res[2]
"The Famliar" is unique in its approach and, most strikingly, in its stillness. After a summer in a most unusual predicament, we find that, not only has Harry changed, but so has his relationship with Snape. It's small moments and even smaller gestures that add up to something bigger and inevitable. Resonant draws the reader in beautifully and effortlessly. Before you know it, you're entranced by the simple dynamic. This is a story I read again and again. When you're finished, check out the sequel, Wellspring.[3]
Short, poignant, funny, understated.[4]
Probably my favorite short Snarry. Harry turns into a frog, Snape adopts him. One of the fluffiest Snarrys out there, and also one of the smartest.[5]
As for me, this is the best story in HP fandom, period.It’s odd, but the oddity has almost unidentifiable nature. It isn’t in the plot, which is rather banal - a potions accident, thanks to which two weeks before their graduation and after the victory in the war against Voldemort, Harry is turned into a frog and has to spend the summer in a water-bowl in Snape’s rooms.
It’s not in Harry’s or Snape’s characterization – Harry’s post-war withdrawal is not unusual for HP fiction; Snape? also within the ‘normal’ characterization rank.
It's in *how*. Resonant proves that one can do anything, can write using as trivial things as he/she wishes and nevertheless create a great story.
The pacing is slow and the changes are subtle, the atmosphere is clear and transparent like a cool but sunny summer day. The humour is gentle. And the story is absolutely perfect, flawless. And absolutely unforgettable.[6]
References
- ^ a.ttention d.eficit d.eliberations - The Familiar, archived 29 October 2005 by the Wayback Machine.
- ^ Luthien's Slash Fiction: Recs and Raves, 22 October 2002. (Accessed 14 October 2021)
- ^ Harry/Snape: “The Familiar” by Resonant by saturn92103 at crack_broom, posted 08 February 2005. (Accessed 24 October 2021.)
- ^ Comment on Hit me the Snarry fics! posted to r/HPSlashFic, Feb 23, 2022
- ^ "Harry Potter Slash Recs: Snarry (And A few Other Pairings)". Archived from the original on 2024-11-02.
- ^ "The Familiar, by Resonant, rec at snarry_reader, Sept 28, 2006". Archived from the original on 2024-11-02.