RECS: "Heart Palpitations" and "Mountains"

gelitripling's "Heart Palpitations" is an older Snape/Lupin fic (from 2003) that _lore rec'd last fall. Vivid descriptions, nifty magic, and a nicely tense combination of viciousness and tenderness in the dialogue.

Excerpt: "Halt," Snape whispers with so much venom in his voice that I can't help but pity his enchanted furniture, and wonder how many mirrors he has broken because they were unable to hold their magical tongues.

dazzleberry's "Mountains." Snape/Lupin fluff. Very, very sweet -- yet not revoltingy soppy -- with compulsive!Snape and a good-humoured Lupin still learning to communicate with each other seven years on.

Excerpt:

The next afternoon, Remus had an unexpected visit from Minerva, and after half an hour of pleasantries over tea, she cut to the chase.

"Severus was in my office quite early this morning," she said. "He really is trying, you know."

"I know he can be a bit trying at times, but—"

"No. I don't mean that he's being difficult. He's trying, Remus. He's attempting to figure out what you want for your birthday. I don't remember the last time I saw him so frustrated. Would it really be so bad if you were to tell me so that I could at least nudge him in the right direction?"

I wonder.

In today's New York Times:

Ms. Farge suggests a reason: "In the 18th century, a man and woman lived together for a maximum of three or four years because of wars, epidemics, death during childbirth and so on. Life was a succession of funerals and remarriages. In fact, until today, couples have never had to live together for a long time."