I am a thirtysomething mother of two, a boy and girl, both too young to read HP. I am obsessed with Harry Potter, especially anything to do with Severus Snape. However, my favorite author is Anne McCaffrey, and my favorite fictional character is Afra from McCaffrey's Tower and Hive series. Severus is a close second, though.
My favorite movie is The Abyss, but only the extended version. The original theatrical release made no sense.
I love reading HP fanfiction. I would like to write more myself, but alas, I have neither the time nor the patience. Maybe someday.
It's not about this chapter, but here's another question for you. Snape spends the first four books or so trying to get Harry expelled from Hogwarts. In HBP he has a real, bona fide reason for expelling Harry when Harry uses Sectumsempra. Yet he only gives him a couple months of detentions, and he obligates himself to spend all those Saturdays in Harry's company. Why? What an odd man....Yeah, you know I love him!
Author's Response: I guess the hatred for James and the guilt over Lily was so strong that he didn't want a daily reminder in the first four years, but once Voldemort returned, he realized how critical it was to keep Harry safe, even if it meant overseeing his protection himself. Ah, such a selfless character. (snicker) I think we overthink these situations.
The contrast between Dani's world and Emily and Colin's is so striking. Her glimpses into their normalcy make me think of Norman Rockwell or Thomas Kincaid.
It is so sad that now, when Severus most need Dani, he has to cut himself off from her.
This chapter was too much exposition for my liking; I prefer dialogue. But that's not a criticism, just an expression of my preference.
But the cliffie holds some promise...
As always, I'm looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's Response: There you are !! :-)
Sometimes when Dani is alone, there's now for her to talk to except Pinky. Most of what youh "hear" are her thoughts.
Oooo, the cliffie is a good one which leads to "other" things :)
Dani
Now that's a serious breach of the International Statute of Secrecy, or whatever it's called. Was the large DE the blond, nameless one from HBP (not that it matters, I'm just curious)? Poor Daniella, having to explain all this to her best friends.
I'm trying to figure out how Colin's grandmother would fit into the story, timewise. Voldemort first came to power in the early 70s, right? Assuming Colin is about Daniella's age (maybe a bit older? She was young for her class, right?), he was born in the late 50s, like Severus and the Marauders, right? So was he hearing these stories while Voldemort was still "alive," in the 70s? That would make him a teenager, old enough to doubt and to question his grandmother's sanity. (I think a young child would be more accepting and/or more likely to forget the stories entirely.)
Another fine chapter. Thanks!
Author's Response: I really think your thinking too much about this, nor is it that important. As for the International Statue of Secrecy, at some point (either past or future) Daniella mentions that because of her Italian status, the British statue doesn't apply to her. Enjoy.
You often post on the weekend. I don't get online much on the weekend, so it takes me a while to get a chance to reply to your story. Sorry. :) Remember, I've read to the end ("elsewhere") but like to review here to support MNFF. I just try not to spoil for other readers.
Author's Response: True. I forgot. You didn't review on the "other" site, so I sometimes forget who's done what and where. I'm glad you're still following though. Did younotice the two shorts and the new story?
Dani
Oh, making a liar of me, are you? Posting on a Tuesday?
I loved this chapter the first time I read it, and I still love it. Severus is in grand form. And I am always impressed by writers who can do Hagrid. I would never even attempt his speech patterns.
I am a bit confused, though. Is Severus speaking to Dumbledore's portrait at the beginning? I assume the conversation is about Daniella's imminent presence at Hogwarts?
There's some fun coming up....:)
Author's Response: This site validates each and every chapter that is sent in. Whether I post on the weekend or not doesn't means that's when it will show up. The one reason I like this site so much is that they take the care and attention to look over and post properly written stories. I was very surpised to see this chapter validated so quickly.
I don't think it matters who Severus is speaking to. The fun is on the way! :-)
BTW. I'm happy to hear from you again. Dani
Aack, how could I let so much time pass without writing a review? Forgive me...real life interfered.
I like the part about her frustration regarding the potion. It reminds me of cooking...just because I know the recipe doesn't mean I can make something edible!
None of this is how I would imagine Severus at this point in the novels, but that's all right with me. That's what I like about your story. Severus gets to be a human being and not just a caricature.
Author's Response: How did you imagine him? I figured that with the title "Reprieve" even he needed a bit of a break. Ah, but don't worry. He'll be back to himself.
Sorry it took me so long. Sometimes I can't get to the computer. I like that you had the students interacting with Dani. Poor Neville.
And poor Severus. Always poor Severus. He wears so many hats; the headaches he must have would be enough to make anyone act like an a$$.
Hmm, but Snape was at Headquarters without Yaxley too, was he not? Of course, he would not tell Dani about the photograph. Sneaky b@st@rd.
BTW, my son's preschool teacher is named Daniela. I don't think she's Italian, though.
Author's Response: Oooppss, my response showed up as a review. I guess I hit the wrong button.
Dani
I had always thought that Yule and Christmas were one and the same. I was confused that in your story Yule seemed to be several days before Christmas. So I Wiki'd it and learned that in Wicca Yule is the Winter Solstice. Is that right?
I may have mentioned this before, but I have a perfect image of Colin in my mind. He is a real character/actor, but I cannot for the live of me think who it is or where I've seen him. I just always picture him when I read scenes with Colin in them.
Your Yule Ball chapters always are fun to read. No mistletoe this time. Bah humbug.
Author's Response: Yes, Yule is on December 21, the Winter Solstice.It is the shortest day and longest night of the year and the celebration of the Sun God being reborn. After this, the days get longer.
No, no mistletoe this time. I thought the sleigh ride would be fun, and watching Severus and Colin interact.
Oh, I'm definitely thinking too much about this, and every other aspect of your story. I obviously have no life. (Actually, I have two kids, but they're too young for Harry Potter; too young to read at all for that matter.)
I meant that the DEs were breaching the Statute, not Daniella. Not for the first time, of course.
No need to reply. Just keep writing!
Author's Response: :-) I’m replying anyway regarding Voldemort’s rise to power. His initial rise was at Hogwarts when he began a following and “fashioned a new name” for himself (near the end of CoS). Once he left Hogwarts, if I did my research right, he had already begun his reign of power, his followers called themselves Death Eaters. That was over fifty years ago in the story. Dumbledore was a teacher at the time, and Hagrid was in third year when Riddle was in his sixth year (CoS - Riddle framed Hagrid for unleashing a monster in the school. Hagrid was expelled in his third year. Riddle was sixteen in the diary.) That would put the timeline during WWII, early ‘40’s (that story is already being written.) Yes, Daniella is a bit younger than her friends. Her parents were helping Dumbledore fight before the first war began, so it is feasible that Colin’s grandmother would have been afraid of this new threat and could have passed storied to her young grandchildren. This was just a tidbit of information to draw where Adrianne could have gotten her powers from. That line will not be developed, as it would take away from the original story. I don’t think you’re going to be disappointed though.
As for the Death Eaters breaching the International Statue of Secrecy, I don’t think they really care, and they did it at the Quidditch World Cup, as well. Bullies generally travel in groups and need the support of each other to validate their actions. They do it more for attention and control more than anything else. They certainly got that.
This has nothing to do with your story, per se, but I heard a song on Radio Disney called "This Is Who I Am," and it made me think of your story. I think the artist was Joey Page (don't know if that's how his name is spelled). Well, at least my random comment boosts your review count, eh?
Author's Response: eh? Canadian?
Dam*, I was hoping Hogwarts would abolish Sorting. I feel it was the source of Severus's troubles. (Have you read "Severus and the Head Girl" here on MNFF?)
Of course, impatient as I am, I had read this epilogue long ago. A fitting ending to a wonderful story.
I'm glad to hear you're planning to post the shorts here, too.
If you ever get a chance, I would appreciate your thoughts on my story here on MNFF. It's called "Severus Snape and the Sorting Hat." It's a lame title b/c it really takes place toward the end of DH. It's really short.
I'll keep watching for updates. You're on my Favorite Authors list, so any stories you post should trigger alerts to my e-mail.
Author's Response: I won't be able to look at your story until the summer. Life and work have taken over and I'm struggling with my own stuff, but summer will be free.
I figured that since the shorts are one-shots, I should be okay to post them here, but "Once Upon A Time" is longer, and at the rate things are going, I'll be 80 before it's out in its entirety. Keep watching and thanks for the support.
Dani
Correction to my previous review: The story I referred to (not mine) is called "Snivellus and the Head Girl." It's well worth a look when you have the time (ha, ha, I know--time!).
It's amazing how you have integrated this story into the canon books, especially since you started this one not knowing how HP would end. I like the veiled reference to Tonks. Incidentally, Voldemort could remove the prophecy (only he and Harry could); he just did not want to reveal himself at the Ministry. Perhaps Dani did not realize this? IN RE my comment on the last chapter, I am not Canadian, but when I wrote the comment I did think about how "Eh?" is a very Canadian expression. I miss Severus; when will he return to the story?
Author's Response: Thanks for the comments. Yes, Severus will be back...most definately. I can\'t leave poor Daniella alone.
No Severus. Boo.
Unfortunately you have followed the novels a little too closely here. My biggest problem with DH was the pacing. The end just seemed so rushed (from Gringotts on). But I do like how you have interwoven the stories and explained sme of the "intuition" the characters experience in the novel.
Author's Response: Thank you for your comments. Just one more chapter then the epilogue. Get the tissues out.
Dani
Beautiful chapter. I love how you tied in the Lily storyline without compromising the relationship you have so lovingly developed. I also much prefer your explanation for how Ron was reunited with H & H.
Could you please send Daniella to my house? I could use a good Scourgify.
I don't quite understand what happens with Carrow. He rebounds off her shield, so why does she fall?
This chapter touches on what has always confused me about Ghost, which is exactly what role Severus was playing at that time. In that story it seems as if Severus is already acting the mole, but here he implies that he joined the DEs by choice. Was it sort of a combination?
Thanks for the quick update.
Author's Response: I have Jan at MNFF to thank for the quick update. My last chapter sat in queue for a month, and I didn’t want that to happen again.
I couldn't let the "Lily" factor be ignored, but Severus loves Daniella. And, as much as Ron is endearing, he’s also a bit of a twit. As for Carrow shaking up Dani - have you ever felt the repercussion of an explosion or been jarred by the slamming of a door? The same issue happens here. Carrow hits the shield, but Dani feels the ripple, although she’s not hurt.
“Ghost” Severus being a “mole”– In “Life in the Interim” (Chapt 1 page 5), Severus states that he played both side, because he couldn’t trust either. He told Daniella that he was out for himself.
“Whose side are you on?” I asked cautiously.
“My own,” he replied. “Survival is of utmost importance. I know what both sides offer and what they are capable of.”
I hope that clears a few things up. Thanks for reading.
Dani
Yay, he's back! Now, I 've lost track--would this be toward the end of OotP? I was SO happy to see your update today. Thank you!
Author's Response: Oh, yes, he\'s definately back. This is before the battle at the Ministry. Stay tuned. Dani
Sorry, I should have been more clear. I meant: "I wish you had spent more time on the [fallout from the] events at the MoM rather than jumping right into the retrieval of the ring." I didn't mean I wanted to see the actual battle from Dani's perspective; of course she would not be there. Nor was Severus.
Maybe you'll provide an answer to one of my questions about HBP: Why was Severus at Slughorn's party? He wasn't the social type (duh), and it wasn't to keep an eye on Draco as Draco wasn't even invited. I think it was just a plot device so that Harry could eavesdrop, but I'm hoping you'll have a better explanation. But it's okay if you don't. Your story is great just as it is.
Author's Response: I thought he was there looking for Draco. he definately wouldn\'t be in Slughorn\'s circle, even though he was obviously brilliant with Potions. But, here\'s one for you? Why did Slughorn still ahve Severus\' 6th year textbook with all the spells and hints written in the margin? You\'d think that would be something that Severus would keep close watch on. Hmmm\r\nAs for the \"fall out\" after the battle, I didn\'t want to belabour the point. More to come. Dani
Ah, I love this chapter. The interplay between these two is so much fun. And it bookends nicely the scene with Emily's family and the ritual of the ancestors.
I am surprised, though, that Dani would not realize why Severus was behaving the way he was. She noticed that Amycus seemed suspicious, and she knows Severus lives on the edge of a knife's blade (stole that image from another fanfic). I guess the calmness of the ritual contrasted too sharply with the reality of Voldemort's reign, and she just didn't make the connection. She is being a bit unfair to Severus; he lives in constant danger, while the danger to herself is mostly fleeting. She should cut him a break; he loved Saxon too.
Author's Response: Oooo, a little defensive of our deloved bad-boy. ;-) Fear not. Things will lighten up.
Dani
"No, Fawkes is not mentioned. No particular reason...unless you're really willing to think about it..."
I have no idea what you mean by this, but I'm intrigued! Of course, he isn't necessary in your story because of the "bond."
Author's Response: Also, because, there's another bird in the roost.
I had skimmed this story previously, but I just recently found the first two stories. After reading those, I re-read this story more thoroughly. You have done a fantastic job of creating a back story without compromising the canon story. I love Severus and love to see him happy; I hope chapter 65 (was it 65 you said?) will leave me happy.
Is English your frst language? I have noticed some unusual sentence structures that have made me wonder whether you are not a native speaker of English. I do not mean this as a criticism; I am just curious.
I would love to comment on each and every chapter, but I don't have the time. I am looking forward to the remainder of your story.
Two comments, though. They both belong in earlier chapters, but I'll just put them here in this one long review:
1) There is a comment about the presence of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang causing rampant hormones. Why would this be? In the book the schools are co-ed; it was only the movies that made the Beauxbatons students all female and the Durmstrang students male.
2) I was hoping you would address something that always bothers me in GoF. When Harry encounters Crouch in the woods, Harry runs to get Dumbledore. He runs into Snape instead, and Snape tries to prevent Harry from getting to DD. When DD finally appears, he does not seem angry with Snape for delaying Harry. Now, we all know Severus is not stupid. He would have realized the importance of Harry's message. Even his loathing of the boy would not so cloud his judgment that he would keep the information from DD. So, why did he delay Harry? I like to think DD asked Snape to delay Harry because DD needed to finish something else. I thought maybe you would insert a meeting with Dani, but alas, no. Oh, well.
You still have written a great story. I eagerly await the rest.
Author's Response: Glad you found the other chapters. Reading the last without reading the first, you kind of miss the history.\r\nYes, English is my first language, although, I do speak two others. However, Daniella’s isn’t. It’s Italian. This may be what you’re seeing.\r\nEarlier chapters – It doesn’t matter where you’re from. I deal with teenagers every day and hormones are always a factor. :-D As for the Crouch issue, I can’t remember whether I dealt with it, but I don’t think so. There was so much else going on. Thanks for a great review and keep in touch when you can. Dani\r\n