Complete Challenges 2 - feel free to pick one up again!

[Admin]

Hermione the Headmistress Challenge
The Year: 2009 - 10 years after Harry Potter graduated from Hogwarts
The Background: Voldemort has been defeated, and Albus Dumbledore has decided it is time for younger minds to take over Hogwarts and retires to…wherever. The competition for his former position is fierce, but the ultimate winner is…Hermione Granger! Severus Snape is still the Potions Master (or DADA if you want to give him his yearly wish), but due to circumstances up to you, the author, he does not hear about the appointment of a new Headmistress. The rest of the story is wherever your imagination takes you!
Questions to keep in mind:
~How did Hermione qualify for this powerful position?
~When exactly was Voldemort defeated?
~Who are the rest of the teachers?
~What has Hermione been doing in the ten years since graduation?
~What has Severus been doing in the intervening years?
~How will Severus react when he meets his new boss?
The Requirements:
~Must be HG/SS of any type (romantic, angsty, friendship, enemies, whatever)
~Smut not required (but [definitely] not discouraged either)
~Include the lines : "Money changes everything." OR "Every little thing she does is magic." AND "I never thought I would be doing this (or that)!"
~Include the objects: Leather
a Muggle device (of any sort)
mention of a Jarvey (fyi: "Resembling an overgrown ferret, the Jarvey is one of the few beasts which can actually talk. It's speech, however, consists entirely of rude phrases and insults. Jarveys chase Gnomes." from the Harry Potter Lexicon)
~**BONUS POINTS** if you can work into the story Severus falling and Hermione catching him. (In fanfics, she slips and he always catches her, and I think it is his turn to be caught.)
~Try to be as unique as possible!
~Remember that a lot can change in ten (or thirteen) years…
~Proofread!
~No more requirements!
Length: Any length you want
Deadline: First chapter must be in by March 17, 2003

Happy Writing! ~molly

[Admin]

Non calor sed umor est qui nobis incommodat – Challenge
 
(translates to its not the heat it’s the humidity)
 
 
 
We’ve all had those situations, there's no heat but you’re perspiring, it’s humid. Hmmmm maybe like in a dungeon? Can you see where this challenge is going? Oh I think you can.
 
Personally I see this as a one shot PWP, but feel free to chapter it if you’re that way inclined.
I would like this very much to be humorous, there are not enough humorous Sev/Herm fic about.
 
Plot: I’m leaving the plot pretty much up to you, although I would like it to have an R or NC-17 rating.
I would like it to be funny.
Some thing about its not the heat it’s the humidity should be in there.
And try and get as many of the following quotes in.
 
 
 
 
Quotes:- things in ( ) are not quotes just my comments.
 
“groin-grabbingly transcendent” (I thought this was classic)
 
“If a Man is talking in the forest and there is no woman there to hear him, is he still wrong?”
 
“There's a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line.”
 
“I don't know whether you are genuinely insane or just winding me up. But I'm tired, I'm stressed and I'm fighting for ___________. I've got three things to say to you - shut up, shut up and shut up!”

[Admin]

This is the challenge from WIKTT:The Basic Plot: Severus and Hermione are destined to be together. Their spirits continue to meet up in different time periods, courtesy of reincarnation, and are drawn to one another time and again.
The Details: The story must contain at least three vignettes. Each vignette must take place in a different time period. All other details (setting, etc.) are up to you. In other words you could use, for example, ancient Greece and 15th century China or 13th century England and 16th century England. One of the vignettes must be set during the canon time period with both characters as we see them in cannon. It may be set either during or after Hermione's studies at Hogwarts. All vignettes must feature, at the very least, romantic tension between Severus and Hermione. At least one vignette must feature Severus and Hermione becoming a couple (secretly or openly) or confessing their feelings for one another (this 'confession' need not be verbal). Any rating. Any genre. Side plots involving other characters or pairings welcome. The basic personality of each character must stay consistent across time periods. All other characteristics (appearance, form, etc.) may change. You must pick a distinctive object or phrase that will appear in each vignette (i.e. a pink Cadillac, Hermione saying, "The price is wrong, bitch!"). For the purpose of this requirement, anachronistic items are welcome. The characters may realize or sense the reoccurring nature of events, but they don't need to do so.

[Admin]

It's All Been Done

Due Date: May 1, 2003
The Basic Plot:Severus and Hermione are destined to be together. Their spirits continue to meet up in different time periods, courtesy of reincarnation, and are drawn to one another time and again.The Details:

• The story must contain at least three vignettes.

• Each vignette must take place in a different time period. All other details (setting, etc.) are up to you. In other words you could use, for example, ancient Greece and 15th century China or 13th century England and 16th century England.

• One of the vignettes must be set during the cannon time period with both characters as we see them in cannon. It may be set either during or after Hermione's studies at Hogwarts.

• All vignettes must feature, at the very least, romantic tension between Severus and Hermione.

• At least one vignette must feature Severus and Hermione becoming a couple (secretly or openly) or confessing their feelings for one another (this 'confession' need not be verbal).

• Any rating. Any genre. Side plots involving other characters or pairings welcome.

• The basic personality of each character must stay consistent across time periods. All other characteristics (appearance, form, etc.) may change.

• You must pick a distinctive object or phrase that will appear in each vignette (i.e. a pink Cadillac, Hermione saying, "The price is wrong, bitch!"). For the purpose of this requirement, anachronistic items are welcome.

• The characters may realize or sense the reoccurring nature of events, but they don't need to do so.

• In order to conserve space on WIKTT, the powers that be have asked me to ask you the following favor: if you are planning on uploading your response to an offlist archive such as FF.net, Whispers, SnitchFiction, FanDomination, etc; rather than uploading it into the challenge folder as well, please upload a linking file that will direct readers to the offlist location. This is not a requirement - please don't deprive us of your work because you're concerned about space - only comply with the request if you are planning to post offlist. Thank you! Click here for an example of a linking file.

• The Inspiration:"It's All Been Done" by Steven PageI met you before the fall of Rome
  And I begged you to let me take you home
  You were wrong, I was right
  You said good-bye, I said goodnightIt's all been done
  It's all been done
  It's all been done before
  I knew you before the west was won
  I heard you say the past
  was much more fun
  You go your way, I'll go mine
  But I'll see you next time
  It's all been done
  It's all been done
  It's all been done before
  And if I put my fingers here, and if I say
  "I love you, dear"
  And if I play the same the three chords,
  will you just yawn and say
  It's all been done before?
  It's all been done
  It's all been done
  It's all been done before
  Alone and bored on a thirtieth-century night
  Will I see you on The Price is Right?
  Will I cry? Will I smile
  As you run down the aisle?
  It's all been done
  It's all been done
  It's all been done before

[Admin]

The Lemon Meringue Challenge
Runs through: September 30, 2003
As an author, I've been criticized alternatively for not including enough lemony goodness, or not being fluffy enough, in my fics. Well no more! Here's the Challenge that forces you to include a fluffy lemon dessert as a plot element!
The piece can be any length, and of course must be primarily HG/SS.
A sexual encounter must take place in the prefect's bath - could be the male one described in GoF, or you make up the female bath. Hermione does not have to be a student but obviously this has to happen at Hogwarts.
A plot element - preferably integral to the story - must be a dessert that includes both lemon and fluff. Examples might be a lemon meringue pie or a lemon mousse. You get to be creative in how they are used.
Severus should say, "I'm simply not wired that way." and "Miss Granger, you forget yourself. I don't recall giving my permission for you to use my first name."
Hermione should say, "I'm relaxed. Far, far too relaxed for a woman facing death." (That should take the fluff out of things!)
One of the two has to kiss a Weasley - any Weasley. Bonus points if he/she actually wants to kiss the Weasley.
Dobby should play a supporting role.
The plot should include some kind of mortal peril to HG, SS, or both. The challenge, of course, is to create something that includes lemony fluff and mortal peril. Ah, the possibilities!Interesting, eh? Have fun, and if you have questions, write Becca

[Admin]

Let Me Touch You For A While Challenge

Plot:Hermione and Severus Snape run into each other in a Muggle pub. The pub’s location is entirely up to you. Make up a city / country if you’d like.Takes place after Hermione graduates from Hogwarts and Voldemort’s downfall.
Needless to say Hermione and Snape end up together by the night’s end. How long will it last after that one night?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Rules:NC-17 acceptable fic between Snape and Hermione. Snape and Hermione walk out of that pub together. How randy their exploits are is entirely up to you.
Someone must sing the song “Let me touch you for a while” by Alison Kraus and Union Station. Must be a woman…and NO drag! Could be Alison Kraus, Ginny or Hermione singing. 0: )The song can be found at http://www.rounder.com/special/akus/newfavlyrics.htmlThere is a sample sound byte, but it cuts off in the middle of the song. If you’d like to hear the song in its entity go to Kazaa and search under Alison Kraus or under the song title.Anyone else you feel the need to walk out that bar together is a side plot ONLY.*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*The Ridiculous:Drunken pub fight. What pub setting isn’t complete without a pub fight?
Scantily dressed McGonagall and Dumbledore.
An obnoxious American waiter / waitress.
A bartender that knows everybody’s names, no matter if it’s their first time into the bar or not…
Some guy singing the song “Sex on the Beach” by T Spoon. (The song can be found on Kazaa)* This song is optional though.
 PLEASE NOTE: challenge ends 03-02-19.

[Admin]

Description:
Hermione and Severus have been dating for awhile now, and everyone is wondering when, and if, the wedding invitations will pop up at their doorsteps. Hermione dreads the thought of marriage. Will the idea grow on her? Or will she and Severus continue their life of sin?

Rules of the Challenge:
1. Hermione and Severus must have a physical relationship. Whether you want to, er, exploit it, or just hint at it is your choice.
2. There must be an eventual proposal. If you want to include the wedding, it's extra credit.
3. You must use at least two of these phrases:
    "So, when are you two gonna stop living in sin?"
    "You're going to hell, you know that?"
    "Did /you/ just make that noise?"
    "I can see your entire arse in that skirt,"
    "Quit acting like a jerk and kiss me, already,"
4. Molly Weasley must nag Hermione constantly.
5. Include five of the folowing characters:
    Draco Malfoy        Hagrid           Fred and George
    Neville Longbottom    Gilderoy Lockheart Trelawney
    Hermion's parents    Colin Creevey       A character you invent!
6. A MALE character must cry/sob/burst into tears, but it has to be believable!
7. At the end, write up an invitation to the wedding, inviting the readers to attend!

Authors:  In order to conserve space on WIKTT, the powers that be have asked me to ask you <VEG> the following favour:  if you are planning on uploading your response to an offlist archive such as FF.net, Whispers, SnitchFiction, FanDomination, etc; rather than uploading it into the challenge folder as well, please upload a linking file that will direct readers to the offlist location.  This is not a requirement - please don't deprive us of your work because you're concerned about space - only comply with the request if you are planning to post offlist.  Thank you!

This challenge is due on August 12th, so make me proud!
-shdgshipper
       (Emily)

[Admin]

Magazine Challenge
By Accronym Snape
Premise

After Hermione leaves Hogwarts, her picture ends up in a Gentleman's magazine.

Describe why Snape was reading such a publication and how he got it.

Snape is very embarrassed about the whole thing for whatever reason you decide.

He meets Hermione again(something academic) and shows his displeasure.



Must Haves

At least 4 people must wiggle their eyebrows/or wink something suggestive at Snape.

Snape must try to shield Hermione from vision with his open robes (overall makes a very big deal about it).

Hermione must be non-embarrassed, nonchalant about the whole ordeal.

There must be hints of romance throughout his "dignified crusade"

I'm new at this so I hope that is the right amount of direction.--Cook--

[Admin]

You've Got Mail Challenge
By Rachael
Mail Fic ChallengeOne of the main things that keeps reoccurring in JKR's books is mail. Letters more precisely. I've read dozens of fics that bring Hermione and Severus together in various ways but never one that's brought them together through letters. So that's what this challenge is all about.Point of story: Severus and Hermione exchange letters like in a style similar to Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail or Jimmy Stuart and Margaret Sullavan in Shop Around the Corner.Time: Hermione needs to be in university or in and around that age....bend it how you want, just make her out of Hogwarts and younger than 30.Requirements:
· Letters-There must be at least four letter. 2 from each character. You decide on the contents.
·Anonymity - Severus and Hermione do not know they are exchanging letters with each other. Its what makes gives the story a twist. How long the anonymity lasts, that's your choice. I also don't care how you do it, because it doesn't have to be owls. If you can manage to do a internet type thing, then by all means, go for it. I'd love to see how you managed that!
· A Dramatic Confrontation- I don't care who is involved, it doesn't have to be Hermione/Snape.
· Love- Self-explanatory. It's a SS/HG fic, its bound to happen.· Story must include mention/use of:
~ A computer explosion (literally!)
~ A black rose
~ A flying monkey (real or otherwise.)
~ A type of magic ink (you invent/pick the type)
~ The line "...not even Keith Richards would do that.... "
OR
~ The line "....shut the hell up Sparky!!"
OR
~ The line "...its not disgusting, its hot...."
OR
~The line"....at this rate Clarence, you'll never get you wings...."Additional notes: ~
Story rating is the writer's choice, but smut is aways fun.
Can be one or muli-parts.
Get as free as you like with the story plot, but please grammar/spell check it before entering it (in consideration of the other members of the group).
Post all answers in the Mail Challenge folder or provide a link to story in said folder.
The one liners are not required, only requested. So if its easier, just don't do it

[Admin]

Snape Gets a Make-Over
SS/HG
Challenge

1. Post-war, Voldemort has been defeated at last and spirits are running high, among students and staff alike.

2. McGonnagal, tired by Snape’s ‘holier than thou’ attitude and even worse appearance,
   dare’s Severus to undergo a complete make-over. Pride pushes him to accept. 
   You make the grounds of the wager.

    *This line must be included, (I leave it in your good judgement what to form around it):
        - ‘Perhaps once you look your age, you can start acting it as well!’

3. There must be NOTICEABLE physical changes.

4. Snape must reveal himself the first day after Christmas vacations. 
   He must keep himself secluded from the remaining students during break.
   No breakfast–appearance is first potions class: Gryffindor/Slytherin (including our infamous trio)

5. Hermione must run in late (whatever reason you deem suitable),
   stop dead in her tracks and, staring at Snape, speak in awe: ‘You’re beautiful.’

6. There must be a ‘1 year later’ epilogue.         

7. Challenge ends January 1, 2003.

8. I’d love to read all entries, so if you respond to this, please e-mail me at:


Thanks!

[Admin]

The "Meet the Snapes" Challenge

Deadline:  1 July 2004
 
1.  For purposes of this challenge, Severus and Hermione can be married, engaged, or just lovers.  He takes her to meet his parents.
 
2.  Mr. and Mrs. Snape hate each other violently, much as portrayed in the pensieve scene in Order of the Phoenix.  Generally speaking, they avoid each other as much as possible--sleeping at opposite ends of the house or eating at different times, for example.  With Severus and Hermione present they are forced to interact.
 
3.  One of the parents (your choice) takes an immediate dislike to Hermione because she is Muggleborn, and expresses this opinion openly.  (The line I came up with was, "A Mudblood, Severus?  How pedestrian."  Feel free to use this line or substitute anything else you can come up with.)
 
4.  The other parent chooses to befriend Hermione just to annoy his/her spouse.
 
5.  Fireworks ensue between Mr. and Mrs. Snape.  How does this situation get resolved?  Or maybe it doesn't; Hermione comes away from the weekend feeling extremely sorry for Severus.  You decide.

[Admin]

Mistletoe Challenge
by Bugeater
Deadline: January 1, 2004
 
Challenge Rules/Requirements:

~ Story must take place during the Christmas holidays in Hermione's 7th year.

~ Story must take place AT Hogwarts.

~ A Yule Ball.

~ Hermione and Snape share their first kiss under the mistletoe, meaning they have never previously been romantically involved and aren't friends (It seems lately that everyone is writing Hermione and Snape as friends and I rather like things to be more complicated). Whether they want/don't want to kiss, and whether they do/don't enjoy the kiss are at your discretion. Also, their kiss has to be public, so there must be an audience.

~ The mistletoe must be magically binding. When two people are caught under it, they shouldn't be able to move more than three feet, or about a meter apart from each other (Why must we Americans insist on resisting the Metric system?). They don't have to be compelled to kiss, but the movement restrictions should stay in place until they do. There could be an exception if someone really, really, really, really, really didn't want to kiss the other person...perhaps their force of will could override the magic of the mistletoe in very rare cases, kind of like warding off the Imperious curse.

~ That you have fun writing it...it's not really a requirement, but I'd like for you to enjoy your holiday season as well. If you get stuck or frustrated, take a break, have a snack, watch your favorite TV program, read some new fics, and then come back to writing your story.

Optional:

~ At least three other couples finding themselves caught beneath the mistletoe. They don't have to be exclusively male/female couples. They could be m/m or f/f, for those of you who like that sort of thing. Plus, it gives you a chance to allow someone to resist the mistletoe's magic to avoid kissing someone else...can we say Filch?

~ Spiked eggnog. What it's spiked with is up to you.

~ A snowball fight.

~ Yellow snow. Ewww.

~ A talking Christmas tree. (Anyone else ever heard of Bruce the Spruce, or is it just me?)

~ A squirrel running loose in the castle. (Okay, so I got that idea from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.)

~ Singing. Could be a choir, carolers (Looks funny, but my spell check insists that it's correct.), suits of armor, paintings, ghosts, individuals, who or what ever you want really. Doesn't matter.

~ Someone discovering that someone else has a tattoo. Who it belongs to, what and where on the body the tattoo is, and how the other person finds out about it are up to you.

~ Trelawney having a real vision, or making a prediction that turns out to be true.

~ Peeves making up perverted versions of Christmas songs.

~ Gift giving of any kind.

~ Dumbledore dancing with McGonagall.

~ Filch dancing with ANYONE...but who? (Do I hear crickets chirping?)

~ A streaker wearing only a Santa hat, but it doesn't necessarily have to be worn where hats are normally worn.

~ The phrase, "Bloody hell!" I don't care who says it, I just love it.

~ Someone receiving a bloody or broken nose. (As in someone punches someone else...after reading this over, I can see how it can be taken in a very morbid way of someone receiving a bloody nose in a box for Christmas...well, everything's open to interpretation.)

~ Someone randomly handing out cursed candy canes.

~ A red nose.

~ Someone having a nervous breakdown.

~ Sex. I'll leave it very open. It can be as graphic or discreet as you wish, anything from Hermione and Severus having the shag of their lives in exquisite detail to a few loud thumps and moans coming from a broom closet.

Plot Suggestions:

~ There is a huge blizzard, leaving the students and teachers stranded at Hogwarts for the Christmas holidays. In order to cheer the students up, Dumbledore decides to host a Yule Ball.

~ Voldemort has just been defeated prior to the Christmas holidays. Everyone decides a celebration is in order and a Yule Ball is the perfect opportunity.

~ The war is in full swing and many Muggle parents have already been murdered. In order to protect them from Voldemort and his followers, the students are not permitted to return home for the Christmas holidays. There had already been a Yule Ball scheduled and everyone's presence is required, but some students are downcast and reluctant to attend because they are worried about their families.

Notes:

These are just a few scenarios I came up with. You don't have to use the plots or the optional items at all if you don't want to. I just wanted to give you lots of ideas and emphasize that you can take your stories in any direction you wish. I've tried to leave open the possibility for these stories to be light and fluffy, dark and angst-filled, or somewhere in between. There is no set length. You could write a five page story, or a fifty page story. It could be a one-shot, or a WIP. Anyway, that's all I have. Now I challenge you to write a good story. I can't wait to read what you come up with.

Also, though I'm sure I don't have to tell you, I'm supposed to remind participants to please upload their entries to a public archive (FF.net, Whispers, etc.) instead of on WIKTT in order to conserve file space. After doing that, you should post a link to your story in the challenge folder on WIKTT.

For those of you who want to read up on mistletoe, here's some information I got from a website with a brief description of the history:

The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe became popular in eighteenth-century England with the emergence of the mistletoe kissing ball. A young lady standing under mistletoe could not refuse to be kissed. Such a kiss could mean deep romance or lasting friendship and goodwill. It was also said that a young lady standing under the mistletoe who did not receive a kiss would remain unmarried until the next year. If a couple in love exchanged a kiss under the mistletoe, it was interpreted as a promise to marry, and a prediction of happiness and long life. Today mistletoe is a festive addition to Holiday decorations, no matter if it is hung to follow the traditions of the past or as a fun way to participate in the Holiday spirit.

While the Holiday custom of kissing beneath a branch of mistletoe goes back hundreds of years, legends about the curious plant go back to the time of the Roman Empire and earlier. This magical plant seems to have different meaning in each varying culture, but one thing remains consistent throughout, that mistletoe is a very special plant. In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace, under which enemies could declare a truce, or warring spouses could kiss and make-up. In European folklore, mistletoe has been one of the most magical, mysterious, and sacred plants. It was considered to bestow life and fertility and a protection against poison. In the Middle Ages branches of mistletoe were hung from ceilings to ward off evil spirits. Ancient Druids thought the plant had healing and magical powers and used it in their sacred ceremonies.

Although mistletoe was once believed to be a protection against poison, it should not be eaten because the plant and berries are actually poisonous!

Let the Challenge Begin! Enjoy!

[Admin]

Movie Challenge Rules
By cosmoballerina

Okay Kids! I had weird dream last night and decided to make it into a challenge! So here goes!

Our two favorite characters are thrown into a strange world (via spell or curse) and it finds them jumping from plot to plot of some of your favorite movies!

For example my dream found Severus and Hermione thrown into a cross between Jerry Maguire and Gone With the Wind. (think of Hermione saying, "You had me at hello." Severus replying with "Frankly my dear I don't give a damn." The Geek Who Lived screaming "Show me the money." And Ron saying "Miss Scarlett I dont know nothing about birthing babies!") And thus my challenge was born!

Now Hermione and Snape are the only ones who know what is going on, everyone else thinks they are their characters. Snape and Hermione, although they are able to resist the spell somewhat they can't avoid feeling compelled to follow the script and find themselves in some strange situations. Being that Hermione has seen Muggle movies and Severus hasn't, she will be a big help.

Use as many quotes as you want! From as many movies as you want! Now this wouldn't be a challenge if there weren't some quotes I insist on being used!! The character don't necessarily have to be in the movie the quote was from, that is all up to you! Just try and find a way to use the quote!

Guidelines:

Someone has to say with a stupid look on their face, "Dude, Where's my car?"

Hermione has to be the helpless female lead at least once! She doesn't have to be happy about it of course. (i.e. she has to constantly be in the most glamorous clothes, and when she runs from the bad guy, she has to fall at least once.)

Severus has to feel compelled to say the sappiest most romantic and unrealistic line from the movie you choose. (again, he doesn't have to be happy about it.)

Happy ending is a must!

Someone has to say "Well, what I really want to do is direct."

Someone has to perform an oscar winning scene!

Someone has to thank the academy!

Make use of a well placed get away car that mysteriously has the keys in it.

Dumbledore has to say, "Do I make you horny?"

For those of you who are familiar with Bridget Jones, put Hermione in a Bridget Jones moment! If you aren't familiar with it (what's wrong with you? She's my hero!) You don't have to use it.

Severus has to say "Love is like oxygen, love is a many splendored thing, love lifts us up where we belong! All you need is love!"

Someone has to burst into a song and dance.

Have fun! Dead line is October 25th . . . two months from today!

[Admin]

Truth be spoken

[/color][/size]

[/color][/size]

By : Nightskye666

[/color][/size]

[/color][/size]

Running: 04-02-14

[/color][/size]

[/color][/size]

Challenge

[/color][/size]

[/color][/size]

-        Severus and Hermione end up in the Hospital Wing for one week!

[/color][/size]

-        They can´t avoid each other

[/color][/size]

-        A certain circumstance (Potions accident, poisoned food, misleaded curse…) takes care that they can´t lie anymore, therefore they have to say the truth. They even can´t keep their thoughts to themselves.

[/color][/size]

-        They are not allowed to leave the hospital wing!

[/color][/size]

-        They are not in love in the first place (but they will in the end of the story!).

[/color][/size]

[/color][/size]

Must Include

[/color][/size]

[/color][/size]

-        “A man has certain needs Miss Granger, so please cooperate!”

[/color][/size]

-        Minerva and Albus who take advantage of the easy target which is Severus Snape.

[/color][/size]

-        “ A man with the looks of Lockhart and your Intellect would suit quite well.”

[/color][/size]

[/color][/size]

Deadline: February 14^th 2004

[/color][/size]

[Admin]

The Noir Challenge

By fieldofasphodel

Completion Date: June 20, 2004

The Oxford English Dictionary defines "noir" as: "A genre of crime film or
detective fiction characterized by cynicism, sleaziness, fatalism, and moral
ambiguity; film noir. Also: a film or novel in this genre."  Think The
Maltese Falcon.

Severus Snape is a hard-nosed no-nonsense private investigator (or spy) who
likes his booze straight from the bottle and his dames sharp and feisty
(Though he'd never mix business with pleasure…at least, ideally).   

Hermione Granger is a sharp and feisty "dame" with a proclivity towards
trouble and a mind that's too clever by half.

Hermione recruits Snape's help in an official capacity, and he has to carry
out an investigation of some kind.  Hermione's story rapidly becomes suspect;
the problem is: he's already fallen for her...Happy endings are not required (but they are not discouraged either).

You could write this story in a number of ways.  For example:
1) Completely AU and without magic in which Snape is a real Muggle private
investigator.
2) Either AU or not AU in which Snape is a private investigator or a spy for
the Ministry (or for Dumbledore, or for himself, or for another party of your
choice).
3) Not AU in which Snape operates much as the archetypal noir private
investigator would and Hermione acts much as the archetypal noir "dame"
would.  (That is, the story itself is conventional or even mundane, but
Snape's narration sets a noir-like tone.)

Whichever scenario you choose, the story should be narrated noir-style through
Snape's perspective.  You may also write narration through Hermione's
perspective, but traditionally she's an unknown quantity, and her thoughts and
motivations remain hidden until the very end. 

**NOTE** Added May 19, 2004

You can write your response in either the first person or in the third person
limited omniscient (told in the third person, but with insight into
only one character). Please don't feel that you only _have_ to
write in the first person.

**

The story can take place in Hermione's seventh year or after graduation. 
Acceptable ratings range from G to NC-17.  All lengths are acceptable. 
Stories that are G or PG are more difficult for this premise, but conceivable,
especially if you use the third scenario.

BONUS POINTS:
-Including Crabbe and Goyle as distinguishable personalities
-Including an occasion in which Remus Lupin grins cheekily
-Including an occasion in which someone punches Draco in the face
-Including an occasion in which Hermione slaps Snape in the face
-Including an occasion in which Ron wears a fedora
-Including an occasion in which someone gives Snape a massage
-Including an occasion in which someone male teasingly flirts with Snape
-Including a line of dialogue in which someone says, "...you have a soft spot
for her..."

This is my first attempt at a challenge, so if any part of this does not make
sense, don't hesistate to e-mail me with your questions/comments.  Have fun!
Resources for the Noir Challenge
By fieldofasphodel
[/size]I found some guides and resources that might help you with your challenge responses. I'm not picky if your story turns out to be more hardboiled or pulp than noir, even though some of the following guides make distinctions between them. (I didn't know the difference myself until a few hours ago). This is just if you need help establishing the tone, or don't have a clear idea of what noir is, or just want a few examples of noir writing. Utilizing this information is not required. Remember, if you even make an effort to respond, I'll be a very happy WIKTTer.
Hard-Boiled Detective Fiction and Other Media by William Marling- an essay that includes a section on film noir that may help you understand the nature of the genre.

The FreeDictionary.com- Film Noir- an encyclopedic overview of film noir.

The Thrilling Detective- you can read a few examples of noir fiction under the Fiction link on the homepage.

Twists, Slugs, and Roscoes: A Glossary of Hardboiled Slang- terminology you can use in your noir story.

If I find anything else that might be helpful, I'll add it to this list.[/color]