The Best Laid Schemes
StormySkize400 Reviews | 400 Ratings, 1 Like, 98 Favorites )
Variety Challenge Winner... The Wizengamot has finally done it! They've gone and passed the Marriage and Baby Law. Neither Severus Snape nor Hermione Granger is happy with the choice made for them by the Ministry, so they hatch an elaborate scheme to thwart the new law--by marrying each other!
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About StormySkize
Author
StormySkize
Member Since 2005 | 13 Stories | Favorited by 172 | 431 Reviews Written | 998 Review Responses
I am in my late 50's and I didn't even start reading Harry Potter until after the third book came out. My granddaughter got me 'hooked on Potter,' and while surfing the net one day, I found a fanfiction site. That was it! My first story, "Renaissance," was published on Ashwinder a month later and I've been writing ever since. I am primarily a HG/SS shipper, but I also enjoy reading and writing RL/SS. I live in Tampa, Florida with my wonderfully adoring and supportive husband, and three completely spoiled cats. (Kallie, Mysha, and Smudge {who was the inspiration for the cat that Severus gives Hermione in my story "Renaissance."}) I'm always happy to correspond with my readers and I answer ALL reviews. I'm always looking for plot-bunnies, so feel free to throw some ideas out.
Reviews for The Best Laid Schemes
I'm really enjoying this story even though I don't enjoy MLCs as a rule. I suppose it's because they're both trying to circumvent the farcical law rather than Hermione being the willing victim and Severus the unwilling suitor. I adore your characterisations of the both of them, as well as their easy cameraderie. Love Flitwick too. The injection of just the right amount of humour makes this fic highly addictive. Really liked the OC cameos in this chapter. And the fact that they've both unknowingly chosen matching outfits. A match made in heaven indeed. :-)
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Oh, what lovely things you say. I love writing the snarky dialogue, and I love giving some personality to some of the characters that JRK created, but didn't go into a lot of detail with -- like Filius.And I'm glad you like my OC's too.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
I hope they'll change their view about their expectations of their union, especially Severus. And that dress seems very beautiful.
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I'm glad you like the dress I 'chose' for Hermione. As to their expectations ... well, I guess you'll just have to keep reading and find out.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Just a marriage of convenience, huh? So why so nervous and getting a new suit and all? Can't help the feeling that something is going to go wrong some how. I hope I'm really wrong!
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I hope you're wrong, too. And, really, can't a man buy a suit? lolThanks for reading and reviewing.
Garlic does have a habit of hanging around when you least want it to! :)
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
For sure. I love garlic (especially on lamb!), so I know all about that garlic breath.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Funny how both of them keep going on about a marriage of convenience, yet Hermione is buying pretty underwear and Severus is going out of his way to make the day special. Hmmmm...
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Oh, they're just making the best of a bad situation ... aren't they??Thanks for reading and reviewing.
So we do have to wait another chapter (at least) for the wedding. Oh well, well done!
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I'm glad you're enjoying. And really would you want me to tell you what's going to happen??Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Okay, feeling better. Nothing out of the ordinary happened. Why do I still think someone will attempt to stop this wedding? Another great chapter. Thanks for the speedy update.
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Oh, one never knows what may happen! (Oh, wait ... I wrote the story ... I do know what will happen.) I hope you'll check back and find out, too!Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Very good -- a different take on the marriage law. I like the fact that you incorporated Filius into the story. Great beginning.
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I always like taking some of the characters that JKR introduced us to, but never got into too deeply, and give them some personality. I'm glad you approve.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
I was so happy to see a new update so soon, thank you so much!
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
You're very welcome -- and let's not forget to thank SW -- she keeps things rolling along very smoothly!Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Thanks for the quick update, but I can't help noticing that they're STILL NOT MARRIED! (Grrr). LOL
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Nope ... still not married.Another update soon, I promise.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
That was a fun chapter. I kind of wish I was there.
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Me, too.All I got to do was lots of on-line research! I did look at many pictures of Cyprus and it is truly beautiful.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Wow, talk about speedy updates... Great work! He is so cute, when he's nervous. I'm looking forward to more.
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Yeah, isn't he? I've sent in the next chapter, so it should upload soon.I'm glad you're enjoying the story.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Whew! Glad they made it to Cyprus. Interesting that neither has much hope for a long-lasting, successful marriage... hmm. I'm still nervous that this wedding we be postponed in some manner. If you wanted to generate angst, well, you have succeeded, dear author. Another lovely chapter!
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I'm not really trying to generate angst -- I just have a story to tell, and the story needs to unfold properly.I'm so happy to know that you're enjoying my tale.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Ooooooo!!! I'm so excited. I hope they can pull this off. :D
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Me, too! lolThanks for reading and reviewing.
Oh a wedding in Cyprus that was a trump card! Love how Lupin's helping them out buy "losing" documents! Now to see how it all goes...
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I thought Gretna Green has been a bit over-used. I did lots of research to find a country with only a three-day waiting period for resident status.Lupin's over to lose paperwork was genuine, but I've really only mentioned him in passing because I refuse to acknowlege the fact that JKR killed him off.I hope you will come back and see what's happening.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
The byplay is cute for their betrothal. Love how Snape enjoys winding her up!
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Oh, yes ... he certainly knows which buttons to push. But I love a Hermione who pushes right back.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
All unmarried witches and wizards of any blood status between the ages of twenty and sixty are subject to the Conjugally Required Accelerated Procreation (C.R.A.P.) Statute.“Crap, indeed,” Snape muttered.Too funny, but very apt!Let me guess Dolores Umbridge behind the fudged data? Smarmy cow!
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I'm so happy you picked up on my acronym. And I have no comment as to the identity of the Special Coordinator. Dolores Umbridge is certainly far ahead in the straw poll of reviewers, however.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
It's a darn sight more promising than nearly all previous MLC responses. You lack incompetence. Please desist from correcting this deficiency in future chapters.
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I'll endeavor to refrain from same.I'm glad you're enjoying this, my first attempt at a MLfic.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Great chapter!!! I'm looking forward to the wedding!!!
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I hope it won't disappoint you.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Ahhh... I love this story. Fantastic chapter!!! Lovely kisses and a little bit of romance - what a great combination. :D
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I'm so happy to know you enjoyed it. This chapter and the next are sort of transition chapters ... not much drama going on. I hope readers don't get bored.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Ooh, tease! Hopefully the wedding will be in the next chapter and not in two. Good idea on having a witness they know for their marriage!
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Who said the marriage will actually take place? All kinds of things could go wrong, couldn't they?I guess you'll just have to keep reading and find out.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Response from Jinxie (Reviewer)
Gah, horribly, horribly true! Don't say things like that! 
Argh, all through this I had jitters. I was just waiting for some Brit to discover them, or someone to take them into custody and drag them away. I was so pent up I could hardly enjoy the wonderful cameraderie that Severus and Hermione have found. Nor could I enjoy the humorous cousin that Severus has. I couldn't even marvel at the wise suggestion to have a magical witness. And that dress, it was just lost on me, because I was expecting Hermione to turn around and be facing Arthur. I'm hooked, and the hook keeps sinking deeper and deeper.
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I'm sorry if I caused you some anxiety ... but I'm glad that you're hooked on this story. It means you'll come back and read the next chapter ... and the next!Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Awww...what a nice chapter. I love how much trouble they are going to for their "marriage of convenience". Interested to know what he purchased from his driver's cousin. I think a good story really needs a healthy dose of angst, but I find myself wanting this to be all fluff from here on out. I also know that is not going to happen. I found myself suspecting everyone of trouble. "So, Martin, why do you know so much about Hermione Granger when you live nowhere near her?" "Spiro, you say you'll be here, even after 6:00, but will you really? Will Aurors by your side?" "Random shop attendant, please don't speak to Hermione in anything other than English. We need to be fully aware at all times of what you are saying."Geez inner spy...simmer down a bit will ya. Oh, and mystery author, please update soon or I might think myself to death...you don't want that on your hands :)
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Well, I'm certainly glad you enjoyed this chapter.At first I thought you'd included quotes from the story, and I was shaking my head and muttering to myself. "I don't remember writing that ... or that ... and certainly not that!" You had me going for a minute.I hope there will be a few surprises yet to come, and that you'll find a healthy balance of angst and fluff.I enjoyed reading your inner spy's mind, and I hope you don't have a headache now.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
interesting chapter - can't wait for the wedding. thanks for the post
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I'm glad you enjoyed. The next chapter should be up in the next few days.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
I like this 'older wizard' he made me laugh; the taxi driver was quite believable too.
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Hearing a reader say that a character is believable is a great compliment. Thanks for reading and reviewing.