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A Difference in the Family: The Snape Chronicles
We have the testimony of Harry, but witnesses can be notoriously unreliable, especially when they have only part of the story. This is a biography of Severus Snape from his birth until his death. It is canon-compatible, and it is Snape's point of view.
2159 pages, ebook
First published March 19, 2012
13 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Rannaro
5 books3 followersAuthor described by herself/himself as follows:
"The name Rannaro is Elvish, and means 'Moonfire.' It is connected to those Elves who lived in Ossiriand and were known both as singers and as the most secretive, isolated, of all the Nandor – the Laiquendi – the green elves. This, of course, has nothing to do with Harry Potter except to the degree that my principal character is secretive and isolated, and I sing his song, and the color of Slytherin is green.
I came to the Harry Potter world in the summer of 2005, just after the publication of 'Half-Blood Prince.' Although I had seen the first three movies and read the first three books (in that order), I had no real fondness for the Potter universe. Then I heard that there was something to do with Professor Snape in the sixth book. I read all six books in one week and realized, in HBP Chap 29, exactly what the relationship was between Snape and Lily, and between Snape and Dumbledore. A Difference in the Family: The Snape Chronicles was the result of that realization, worked out between 2005 and 2006, and vindicated in 2007. It was hosted for years at HPANA.com, but since the demise of that site in November 2011, it has not had a home until now. I have decided that fanfiction.net is a good archive site, and so the story, together with my other works, will be archived here.
I am a teacher. I live in San Francisco and am old enough to remember clearly Eisenhower's second election and the launch of Sputnik. This colors my writing, because I also remember the world as it was when Severus Snape was a growing child. I have included some of that knowledge in my story.
In my writing, I have tried to be true to the Harry Potter canon, to JKRowling, and to the world of the child and adolescent that Snape was. He is a complex and fascinating character, flawed and admirable at the same time. My greatest hope is that others are able to see this as I see it."
"The name Rannaro is Elvish, and means 'Moonfire.' It is connected to those Elves who lived in Ossiriand and were known both as singers and as the most secretive, isolated, of all the Nandor – the Laiquendi – the green elves. This, of course, has nothing to do with Harry Potter except to the degree that my principal character is secretive and isolated, and I sing his song, and the color of Slytherin is green.
I came to the Harry Potter world in the summer of 2005, just after the publication of 'Half-Blood Prince.' Although I had seen the first three movies and read the first three books (in that order), I had no real fondness for the Potter universe. Then I heard that there was something to do with Professor Snape in the sixth book. I read all six books in one week and realized, in HBP Chap 29, exactly what the relationship was between Snape and Lily, and between Snape and Dumbledore. A Difference in the Family: The Snape Chronicles was the result of that realization, worked out between 2005 and 2006, and vindicated in 2007. It was hosted for years at HPANA.com, but since the demise of that site in November 2011, it has not had a home until now. I have decided that fanfiction.net is a good archive site, and so the story, together with my other works, will be archived here.
I am a teacher. I live in San Francisco and am old enough to remember clearly Eisenhower's second election and the launch of Sputnik. This colors my writing, because I also remember the world as it was when Severus Snape was a growing child. I have included some of that knowledge in my story.
In my writing, I have tried to be true to the Harry Potter canon, to JKRowling, and to the world of the child and adolescent that Snape was. He is a complex and fascinating character, flawed and admirable at the same time. My greatest hope is that others are able to see this as I see it."
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 4, 2020
I had no idea there were fanfics on Goodreads, but I am glad this one is. This is the best fanfiction I have ever read, and is also a better read than some published works that have, like, made money and stuff. It is, as the title indicates, a biography of Severus Snape. The world building here is superb. Sure, as a fanfic, it is set in an established universe. However, the author expands on it and draws on the real world to build an engaging and believable universe. Every part of this is entertaining, illuminating and informative - from the background of western England in the 1960-70s to the Death Eater politics depicted after the resurrection of Voldemort. The characterization of Snape is non-canonical, which means that it is not consistent with the actual Harry Potter books. However, this Snape is still fun to read - he is a deadpan snarker, an analytical machine and has unparalleled perceptive strengths. The mind that created this version of Snape and developed this amazing fic cannot be anything short of genius. This work is awesome, and I read it as often as I read the books.
December 23, 2021
For me this is the very best book in all of the Harry Potter universe (including the original JKR books). A 650k words long, coherent, exceptionally well written masterpiece with brilliant characterizations and rich plot. It is 100% compliant with Rowling's canon world- and character building, the story is deeply embedded in the events and historic references, but it does not stop there. This story greatly expands the HP world, bringing even more color and story to the well-known and beloved characters and events. It is the most underrated fanfiction – and even treating this book as a fanfiction does not do it justice. The author chose to give M rating for the book, but not because of its language or content (as there is no strong language, adult content or any graphic violence in it), but the emotional maturity it requires to truly appreciate the story and its character studies.
The first half of the book focuses on Snape's early life. Here the author demonstrates the ability to bring relatable muggle experience from the 60s-80s (such as Beatles, space race, Apollo landing, popular movies etc.), known HP characters in their youth (Marauders, young Slytherins who will eventually become Death eaters), the well-known and beloved atmosphere of Hogwarts school years, the war of student years between Snape vs the Marauders, conflicts between the half-blood Snape who was raised in a poor muggle village vs the pure blood Slytherins, the very original concept of how spell-creation works, the possibility of spells being originated not only from Latin but also from Greek language, and so much more.
The character study for Tobias Snape is beyond brilliant. The author portrays a poorly educated, simple worker who enters his marriage with Eileen Prince with so much happiness and hope to a beautiful and bright future. Tobias is truly fond of his wife and proud of his clever baby son Severus. Following the family through the years how their relationship falls apart due to their lack of mutual understanding, alcohol and financial problems caused by the coal mining industry's crisis in the 70s Britain is tragic yet painfully realistic.
Another rare strength of the book is the author's deep understanding of complex themes such as child abuse, how children's mind try to suppress and unconsciously justify the physical and verbal aggressive treatment they face at home. The author goes even beyond this by portraying the psychological aspect and complexity of how emotional suppression and occlumency had simultaneously developed since Snape's early childhood.
Then it follows Snape's life during his years teaching at Hogwarts. There is an interlude part of the book which contain multiple lighter chapters of Snape in his 20s, as the youngest professor of the faculty, some entertaining short stories with each year's DADA professors, how the Slytherin house worked hard to get the house cup over years and how the Weasley twins' enrolment turned life in Hogwarts upside down.
From Harry's first to third year the book shows every event of the canon book (but of course from Snape's perspective) , supplemented with what happened in parallel, behind the screens. It almost blends into the detective-mystery genre as Snape tries to put the pieces together and does his best to protect Harry while uncovering the truth and mystery of each school year. It also shares more on the professors' life - how they interact with each other, how they arrive a month earlier to the castle to prepare for the new school year and how they handle inter-house conflicts.
From Harry's fourth year, and especially after Voldemort's return, the book takes a more serious, darker tone - as more pressure is placed on Snape as he resumes spying for the Order. The organizational hierarchy and different types of activities of Death Eaters are also a very well detailed addition to Rowling’s original work.
The most brilliant part of this book is the author's understanding of Snape's most famous and least understood line: "After all this time? - Always''. For many readers this part in JKR's canon might have seemed a bit out of character... how could the ever sarcastic, cold, loner Slytherin admitted his feelings this way? And also, what did Snape define as love? What did JKR define as love?
I could continue to write thousands and thousands more words to express my appreciation for this novel, but the best way for you to experience it is to start reading it 😊 If you are a fan of HP universe, then I definitely recommend this book for you. Give it a try... if you find the beginning too slow paced, then start from the middle (chapter 34 - Enter Harry Potter). Though the character studies and carefully placed "Easter eggs" of the first part were my personal favourites.
The first half of the book focuses on Snape's early life. Here the author demonstrates the ability to bring relatable muggle experience from the 60s-80s (such as Beatles, space race, Apollo landing, popular movies etc.), known HP characters in their youth (Marauders, young Slytherins who will eventually become Death eaters), the well-known and beloved atmosphere of Hogwarts school years, the war of student years between Snape vs the Marauders, conflicts between the half-blood Snape who was raised in a poor muggle village vs the pure blood Slytherins, the very original concept of how spell-creation works, the possibility of spells being originated not only from Latin but also from Greek language, and so much more.
The character study for Tobias Snape is beyond brilliant. The author portrays a poorly educated, simple worker who enters his marriage with Eileen Prince with so much happiness and hope to a beautiful and bright future. Tobias is truly fond of his wife and proud of his clever baby son Severus. Following the family through the years how their relationship falls apart due to their lack of mutual understanding, alcohol and financial problems caused by the coal mining industry's crisis in the 70s Britain is tragic yet painfully realistic.
Another rare strength of the book is the author's deep understanding of complex themes such as child abuse, how children's mind try to suppress and unconsciously justify the physical and verbal aggressive treatment they face at home. The author goes even beyond this by portraying the psychological aspect and complexity of how emotional suppression and occlumency had simultaneously developed since Snape's early childhood.
Then it follows Snape's life during his years teaching at Hogwarts. There is an interlude part of the book which contain multiple lighter chapters of Snape in his 20s, as the youngest professor of the faculty, some entertaining short stories with each year's DADA professors, how the Slytherin house worked hard to get the house cup over years and how the Weasley twins' enrolment turned life in Hogwarts upside down.
From Harry's first to third year the book shows every event of the canon book (but of course from Snape's perspective) , supplemented with what happened in parallel, behind the screens. It almost blends into the detective-mystery genre as Snape tries to put the pieces together and does his best to protect Harry while uncovering the truth and mystery of each school year. It also shares more on the professors' life - how they interact with each other, how they arrive a month earlier to the castle to prepare for the new school year and how they handle inter-house conflicts.
From Harry's fourth year, and especially after Voldemort's return, the book takes a more serious, darker tone - as more pressure is placed on Snape as he resumes spying for the Order. The organizational hierarchy and different types of activities of Death Eaters are also a very well detailed addition to Rowling’s original work.
The most brilliant part of this book is the author's understanding of Snape's most famous and least understood line: "After all this time? - Always''. For many readers this part in JKR's canon might have seemed a bit out of character... how could the ever sarcastic, cold, loner Slytherin admitted his feelings this way? And also, what did Snape define as love? What did JKR define as love?
I could continue to write thousands and thousands more words to express my appreciation for this novel, but the best way for you to experience it is to start reading it 😊 If you are a fan of HP universe, then I definitely recommend this book for you. Give it a try... if you find the beginning too slow paced, then start from the middle (chapter 34 - Enter Harry Potter). Though the character studies and carefully placed "Easter eggs" of the first part were my personal favourites.
October 18, 2023
It started off promising and tracks well with the series, but lacks the humor, depth and creativity of JKR's writing. There are a few redeeming moments, but overall, because of its single character focus, it couldn't help but be narrow and repetitive and ultimately, disappointing. My primary objection, however, was how the author -- unnecessarily -- imposed his own views as to Snape's ultimate destiny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2017
This is an ambitious fanfic. In 650,000 words, the author wrote a definitive biography of arguably the most complex character in the entire Harry Potter series.
I found the first half to be illuminating, if not uneven. The choice of emphasis was, at times, questionable: a single chapter devoted to all three of Snape's years as a death eater in Voldemort's service, and yet four chapter devoted to his second year as a Hogwarts professor during which the most interesting thing happening is Snape's being blackmailed by the DADA prof. That said, the first half successfully portrayed a story and a character that believably was manipulated into the Dark Lord's service, only to be faced with huge amounts of regret when faced with the staggering repercussions of that decision.
The second half of this fanfic was a truly impressive work to behold. The author essentially retold the Harry Potter saga from Snape's point of view. The dialogue from so many iconic scenes is retold verbatim, but getting inside Snape's head completely changes the meaning and the context. This fanfic took what I considered to be Snape's most irredeemable moments and made me completely rethink his character and motivations. To me, that alone makes the time and effort to read this work worthwhile.
I found the first half to be illuminating, if not uneven. The choice of emphasis was, at times, questionable: a single chapter devoted to all three of Snape's years as a death eater in Voldemort's service, and yet four chapter devoted to his second year as a Hogwarts professor during which the most interesting thing happening is Snape's being blackmailed by the DADA prof. That said, the first half successfully portrayed a story and a character that believably was manipulated into the Dark Lord's service, only to be faced with huge amounts of regret when faced with the staggering repercussions of that decision.
The second half of this fanfic was a truly impressive work to behold. The author essentially retold the Harry Potter saga from Snape's point of view. The dialogue from so many iconic scenes is retold verbatim, but getting inside Snape's head completely changes the meaning and the context. This fanfic took what I considered to be Snape's most irredeemable moments and made me completely rethink his character and motivations. To me, that alone makes the time and effort to read this work worthwhile.
December 27, 2015
Wonderful!!!
You can hardly believe it's not cannon, and the style of the author it's different from J.K's but it matches very well with the character (Snape).
This is a complete biography, from life until death, of Severus Snape; Half-Blood, (former) Death Eater, member of the order of Phoenix, Professor and Headmaster. The most courageous wizard in the whole "poter"-verse.
You can hardly believe it's not cannon, and the style of the author it's different from J.K's but it matches very well with the character (Snape).
This is a complete biography, from life until death, of Severus Snape; Half-Blood, (former) Death Eater, member of the order of Phoenix, Professor and Headmaster. The most courageous wizard in the whole "poter"-verse.
July 12, 2020
You dont even know how badly I wish this was cannon. It filled in Russ' back story so perfectly and stayed so true to his character. I loved every minute and I would absolutely love to have this story sitting on my shelf.
October 30, 2020
The end of this story had me in tears. This fanfic (and I must say that I'm not really a fan of fanfiction, but this one is superb) is a sort of biography of Severus Snape, from his birth right to his death at the hands of Lord Voldemort, together with a sort of beautiful epilogue following his funeral. The childhood years are detailed and very well crafted, which together with the chapters following Harry Potter's years at Hogwarts make the very best of this fanfic. I will say that I found the story a bit slow at times, specially during the trial and middle years, but the journey is worth it.
November 23, 2019
The beginning can be a tad dry but the story really picks up. I really enjoyed this book. It was fun to compare bits and pieces to Harry Potter. Snape was such an interesting character and this story helps bring all those pieces together
January 25, 2025
I loved this story! I had never read a fan fiction and would have never thought that i’d enjoy reading one as much as I did here. It is quite long and goes into a lot of detail, but that’s something I love as well.
In my opinion the style and writing quality far outshine the original AND the parts added to the facts of the original storyline make a more grown-up and more logical read. I liked the idea to focus so much on the occlumency-gift Snape has. The character really grew on me and now I have a much more positive image of the character in the original series.
I’d love to read more things written by the author since the parts of the story which are more original (the years before Harry came to Hogwarts) interested me even more and I couldn’t stop reading (:
In my opinion the style and writing quality far outshine the original AND the parts added to the facts of the original storyline make a more grown-up and more logical read. I liked the idea to focus so much on the occlumency-gift Snape has. The character really grew on me and now I have a much more positive image of the character in the original series.
I’d love to read more things written by the author since the parts of the story which are more original (the years before Harry came to Hogwarts) interested me even more and I couldn’t stop reading (:
May 4, 2025
What a complex story, woven with a combination of canon and imagination that aligned beautifully, to explore deeply and movingly this layered character. I absolutely loved it. 5 stars for the unbelievable creativity and thoroughly engrossing story.
June 18, 2025
This was one of my first fanfics that I have read completely through. It was excellent! It fits canon so well that I would sometimes forget that it wasn’t actually written by Rowling! Entertaining, plausible, well-written, and relatively clean! Highly recommend!
July 15, 2025
love this book to death but sadly dnf'd it :( i hope to one day reread this and experience it again in the future
October 6, 2025
Hands down, the best Severus story. It's canon for me, as far as I'm concerned.
May 16, 2023
Hear me out.
I'm obsessed with this. I'm also super embarrassed because yes this is a fanfiction, and I thought I'd left that behind me, but dang if it isn't the best thing ever. Also it was longer than your average book (about 675k word count), so I decided it merited a review on here (and then I can count it for my Goodreads challenge lol)
I've been reading this nonstop and thinking about it in between. Some of it was so indescribably satisfying, and the rest of it was enlightening. I can't tell you how good this was. And for those of you concerned with fanfiction's often accurate stereotype of being mostly about sex, let me reassure you - there isn't anything very objectionable in here. There isn't even much language. My assumption is that the M rating is mostly because of the thematic content; there's some pretty stark depictions of mental illness and physical abuse, and as the story progresses and Voldemort returns of course it only grows darker. If you're thinking of reading this, I must presume you've already read the Harry Potter series, which means you know how the story ends. This only serves to make it all the more devastating.
My favorite part about this is that there's some content that I really wanted to see from the books, namely teachers doing teacher things. Flitwick, McGonagall, Hagrid, Sprout, and lesser known characters like Sinistra are given plenty of satisfying time on-page, and I just freaking love all of it. This didn't exactly help with my crazed, Harry Potter brain (or maybe it did because otherwise Cursed Child is all I have left and I'm scared of it), but the author did such a fantastic job and this was everything I could have ever asked for from a fic like this. Rannaro has several other fics that I'm also going to read, and they seem to mostly build on this one (and have the same clean content), so I'm going probably going to die a happy little spaz.
Edit: It's been two weeks and I still haven't read a "real" book. My TBR is suffering. This fic was great but it has decidedly not helped my post-Harry Potter reading slump.
I'm obsessed with this. I'm also super embarrassed because yes this is a fanfiction, and I thought I'd left that behind me, but dang if it isn't the best thing ever. Also it was longer than your average book (about 675k word count), so I decided it merited a review on here (and then I can count it for my Goodreads challenge lol)
I've been reading this nonstop and thinking about it in between. Some of it was so indescribably satisfying, and the rest of it was enlightening. I can't tell you how good this was. And for those of you concerned with fanfiction's often accurate stereotype of being mostly about sex, let me reassure you - there isn't anything very objectionable in here. There isn't even much language. My assumption is that the M rating is mostly because of the thematic content; there's some pretty stark depictions of mental illness and physical abuse, and as the story progresses and Voldemort returns of course it only grows darker. If you're thinking of reading this, I must presume you've already read the Harry Potter series, which means you know how the story ends. This only serves to make it all the more devastating.
My favorite part about this is that there's some content that I really wanted to see from the books, namely teachers doing teacher things. Flitwick, McGonagall, Hagrid, Sprout, and lesser known characters like Sinistra are given plenty of satisfying time on-page, and I just freaking love all of it. This didn't exactly help with my crazed, Harry Potter brain (or maybe it did because otherwise Cursed Child is all I have left and I'm scared of it), but the author did such a fantastic job and this was everything I could have ever asked for from a fic like this. Rannaro has several other fics that I'm also going to read, and they seem to mostly build on this one (and have the same clean content), so I'm going probably going to die a happy little spaz.
Edit: It's been two weeks and I still haven't read a "real" book. My TBR is suffering. This fic was great but it has decidedly not helped my post-Harry Potter reading slump.
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August 28, 2021Geniale.
September 15, 2025
I genuinely do not recall when I read this, but seeing as I have All The Young Dudes shelved, I think its only fair to add the other large format better than anything A Certain Author wrote pieces of fanfic included. Plus I'm well over my goal so its not hurting anything
April 13, 2016
In the end, it was worth two tears and more feelings than I ever thought Severus Snape worthy of. A worthy fanfiction.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews