Rec: Something Like Hate, by deadlybride
Something Like Hate, by deadlybride (R, 2k CHAN)
This is a quiet, incisive little character study in which Harry tries to reconcile the scathing Potions Master of the daytime with the vulnerable man he goes to at night. I would love to see what this author could do with the pairing in a longer story; the prose is lovely, and she seems to get at Snape's duality quite well. I like her Harry POV as well - trying so hard not to let his bitter Professor provoke him to hate, and wondering what it is that made him that way. Such a nice surprise to find something new and different in the world of Snarry.
It's like Snape knows exactly where to push to make him slip, to make him lose all the good in himself, all the Gryffindor qualities â how to make him become a Slytherin.  Snape's smile is dark, and ugly, and Harry can feel himself losing the light.  It's too dark in the dungeons, too cold, and all he wants is to leave¸ before Snape fills him up with hate again.
All of which doesn't explain why he comes back that night.  His friends are safe in bed, high in Gryffindor Tower.  They're safe, and secure â and why doesn't Harry want to be there, too?  Why does he feel the need to come back to the stifling, freezing dungeon, only marginally hidden under his Invisibility Cloak?
If you enjoy this, make sure to leave some love! :)