Saving a Death Eater
Bambu157 Reviews | 6.79/10 (157 Ratings, 0 Likes, 189 Favorites )
Post-Deathly Hallows plot. While Harry is immured in the headmaster's office, sunk into Snape's memories, Hermione is spurred into action of a different sort.
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About Bambu
Author
Bambu
Member Since 2005 | 27 Stories | Favorited by 542 | 117 Reviews Written | 1,029 Review Responses
I have loved the written word since watching my mother’s fingers trace the lines of a book, luxuriating in riveting tales and well-turned phrases. Many a night I read until dawn, a plastic flashlight hidden under the covers to light the pages as I raced the rising sun to finish my latest must-read.
Since joining the HP fandom, I've been privileged to receive more than 50 awards, including Best Author (Quill to Parchment Awards) and Best Classic Author (Most Potente Passions). Among others, my stories have won awards for Best Hurt/Comfort (Spoils of War, Morning Has Broken), Best Novel Length (Calling Card, Guard…Check…Mate), Best One Shot (A Beach in Ireland), Best WIP (Saving a Death Eater, The Summoning), Favorite Overall Story (Complexities), and Readers’ Choice (A Quest of Paladins).
Aside from a judicious polish for formatting and egregious typos, I don't plan on revising my early work. Those stories are the stepping stones of my writing journey. Please note some stories contain adult content. None is more graphic than equivalent scenes in the television shows True Blood or Game of Thrones, and age appropriate warnings are posted.
I no longer write fanfiction prolifically. Like many fanfic authors, my focus has shifted to original work. A member of the Romance Writers of America and the Southern California Writers Association, I write under my name: Lin Thornhill.
My original story Verisimilitude published in Thoroughly Modern Monsters (Story Spring Publishing, 2013) reached the top 100 fantasy anthologies and broke into the top 10 in the UK the first month of release. Ben and Christine’s story will continue in 2016.
Fixation, my latest short story, slated for publication in J. Aldis’ anthology Immanence, with a winter 2015-2016 release, is particularly exciting as it anchors the Messengers of Inari novel series I’ve been developing for the past year.
9/2015
Reviews for Saving a Death Eater
Oh, brava! Very satisfying, and not a bit soppy. A great prescription for the post-Book 7 blues.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
Why thank you so much.JKR left a lot of wriggle room, so I wriggled until I was happy that there was a hopeful future for him.
Exciting beginning. I'm hooked.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
Well, thank you so much. But I'm afraid this is a one-shot. I can't believe I didn't mark it complete. Sorry. I'm going to do that now.
Oh! I cried so much about this... this situation is so well written... believable! Thanks for that!~
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
Oh, thank you so much. I really wanted to make it plausible. With there being so much time when Harry was in the headmaster's office and then going to Voldemort's encampment, and then considering Hermione's last look at Snape, it just seemed that she might do something like this.
Thank you for writing this as it soothes the after effects of the last book. I haven't read it all. I'm somewhat angry about the outcome!! Foolish, but there it is. I look forward to the rest of your story. Jaden
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
I've expected the canon ending for Snape since the moment I read the night on the Astronomy Tower, but I was awfully glad for the wriggle room. I needed it.Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
Oh thank gods. Ever since finishing BK7, I've been trying to imagine just such a scene as you've described. Thanks so much for this piece. Should be required reading...
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
You're an angel. Thank you so much for the lovely comment.
Thank you ... for bring back of beloved Snape.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
Believe me, it was my pleasure. And thank you very much for reading it.
It seems that the idea of fanfic writers 'fixing' the last book has already been started, and so well too 
I really didn't like the way this was handled in the book, and not just because it was Snape, either. I much prefer your version.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
Yep. I couldn't even sleep last night (and I'd been up for a looonge time) without fixing this bit. It's kind of nice that JKR left a lot of wriggle room for all sorts of characters -- a number of which weren't even accounted for in the sloppy epilogue.Thank you!
Thank you!! I think I really needed this after reading the book.
And I do think it's not entirely unreasonable to assume Snape survived (even if, I suspect, it's not the way JKR meant for the readers to interpret it - she did leave it open-ended enough).
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
You're most welcome. I badly needed to 'fix' it, and I'm delighted you thought it was marginally plausible.I would like to give JKR the benefit of the doubt and think she deliberately left the fans some wriggle room. I like wriggle room!
Oh that is such a very interesting possibility! I like it better than the book. 
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
Why thank you very much. I really needed to 'fix' it, and I'm delighted you thought the possibility had just a little merit.
Really like your story. Is there more? Are you going to abandon this story, possibly causing its readers to thunk their heads in disappointment?
It's really obvious that there's a connection of some sort between Hermione and Severus. I'm wondering if it has something to do with the visit the two of them had with the unicorn stallion. I got the impression that Severus was claimed in the same way Hermione and Harry were. I wonder how Severus' reaction to Hermione going to Australia will turn out. Perhaps he will be well enough to go with them.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
I think you're a very perceptive reader. Just the sort I adore!I do hope you continue to enjoy the story. Thank you for letting me know you've read it and thought it worth the time to comment.
Well, Ron's behavior was certainly up to my (poor) expectations but Ginevra's was utterly appalling as well. I have a feeling that Harry staying late means that a long talk *cough*shoutingmatch*cough* took place. It was pretty obvious that Ginny thought she did absolutely nothing wrong and that Hermione is the root of all her problems. It doesn't seem like there was ever a true friendship on Ginny's part ... her behavior strongly suggests that she only saw Hermione as a tool to be used to get closer to Harry. As for Ron, I don't know if their friendship can survive unless something (or someone) can finally get through his thick skull and make him realize he's been behaving like a spoilt little boy, not a man. Ron's smile after Hermione agreed to go off on her own told me that as long as Ron always gets his way, it's all good. Except it's not. Friendship needs to go both ways... it's a give and take deal. And Ron's mostly done nothing but take for a very long time now. He needs to learn how to give. But I don't know that that's really a skill that can be taught, you know?In case you couldn't tell, I was absolutely thrilled to see an update of this story!!! *happy dances* 
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
First of all, thank you for such a thoughtful review, and enjoying the new chapter.I'm not a fan of Ginny's at all, frankly. I think she's a terribly spoiled little girl who considers Harry the biggest trophy of all. In canon, she puts up with Hermione, but there is no real evidence of a friendship. In fact, Ginny has engaged in the same sort of mocking behavior as Ron where Hermione was concerned during the sixth/fifth year.I'd love to go into my thoughts on Ron, but I'm afraid I've written a bunch of them in my draft of the next chapter, so I don't want you to be bored by my rattling on here. Suffice it to say, I think Ron is immature, jealous, and completely overwhelmed.Thanks, again for your kindness.
Response from MuseAmusant (Reviewer)
Thank you, Bambu, for sharing your wonderful stories with the rest of us. 
As someone who has never been a Ginny fan, I completely agree with your assessment of her motivations. It is rather telling that her treatment of Hermione deteriorated markedly the instant that Harry was within her grasp.
<blockquote>Harry leaned forward in his chair. “What do you know about Horcruxes?”“Fuck me!” </blockquote>Oh, so enough then. At least, the important parts...
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
::giggles::Yes, indeed.I couldn't imagine Kingsley Shacklebolt (the Dark Wizard catcher who is trusted enough to work for the Muggle Prime Minister) being ignorant of such things.Thanks for reading.
I will be reading more. So far it's excellent.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
What lovely praise. Thank you very much.
I loved this talk between Harry and Hermione! But I'm so curious to know what is happening with Severus and what's next for Hermione and Harry.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
Thank you very much for your lovely review. I'm a little curious about what's happening with Severus too, and how Harry and Hermione will handle all the things they have to do. I do hope you will enjoy it.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
Thank you very much for your lovely review. I'm a little curious about what's happening with Severus too, and how Harry and Hermione will handle all the things they have to do. I do hope you will enjoy it.
Very realistic, I always wondered how they could ever trust Ron after leaving them
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
I don't think they really can ... although they've had practice. Harry and Ron were estranged in fourth year, and Ron and Hermione have been estranged or at odds in almost every single year, in varying degrees. He never gives her the benefit of the doubt and she reacts with justifiable hurt. I don't think Ron is deliberately cruel very often, although he certainly has the capability, but I do think he's so insecure it erupts on occasion, and usually to Hermione's detriment. No, I don't think she could trust him with her heart. Not ever.Thank you very much for giving my story a read and leaving me a review.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
I don't think they really can ... although they've had practice. Harry and Ron were estranged in fourth year, and Ron and Hermione have been estranged or at odds in almost every single year, in varying degrees. He never gives her the benefit of the doubt and she reacts with justifiable hurt. I don't think Ron is deliberately cruel very often, although he certainly has the capability, but I do think he's so insecure it erupts on occasion, and usually to Hermione's detriment. No, I don't think she could trust him with her heart. Not ever.Thank you very much for giving my story a read and leaving me a review.
This is very enjoyable to read. You are fantastic. Your scenes are complete and it is easy to see them unfold. Everyone seems in character and it is easy to picture Snape's reactions in the memories.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
Why thank you very much. It's a very great compliment that you can visualize my scenes and that the characters are recognizable from their canon counterparts.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
Why thank you very much. It's a very great compliment that you can visualize my scenes and that the characters are recognizable from their canon counterparts.
Great chapter! It's very nice to see what happened after the battle and how the survivors deal with the things they've been through. I especially enjoyed how beautifully you portrayed Hermione's and Harry's friendship and the close bond they share.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
Thank you, thank you, thank you.War marks everyone who participates and I needed to show that; it also gives me an opportunity to show some degree of parity between Hermione and Severus (they have both been instrumental in the loss --death or disappearance -- of those they loved.)
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
Thank you, thank you, thank you.War marks everyone who participates and I needed to show that; it also gives me an opportunity to show some degree of parity between Hermione and Severus (they have both been instrumental in the loss --death or disappearance -- of those they loved.)
Oh, this was lovely - and so very much more realistic than a bland "here's a sandwich, all is well". There is so much that these very young people have been through, and it just can't but leave some sort of mark on them. I really do think Harry and Hermione will always share a closer friendship after DH, especially the time (months?) when they had no one else but each other to rely on. ~Kribu
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
I couldn't, in good conscience, ignore the significant number of dangling plot points left in the aftermath of the final battle. Giving voice to them here worked for a number of reasons, showing the realities immediately facing them as well as providing an opportunity to illustrate the juxtaposition between relationships (Harry/Hermione, Hermione/Ron, Harry/Ginny, and Ron/Harry.)Thank you so much for giving my little journey a read. I do appreciate it more than I can express.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
I couldn't, in good conscience, ignore the significant number of dangling plot points left in the aftermath of the final battle. Giving voice to them here worked for a number of reasons, showing the realities immediately facing them as well as providing an opportunity to illustrate the juxtaposition between relationships (Harry/Hermione, Hermione/Ron, Harry/Ginny, and Ron/Harry.)Thank you so much for giving my little journey a read. I do appreciate it more than I can express.
Oh I love the memories. This was an exciting chapter.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
I'm so pleased you thought so. Thank you very much.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
I'm so pleased you thought so. Thank you very much.
Very nicely done. I love that someone knows the truth even if it's a ghost and a painting. Poppy was written very well. Thank you.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
All through the endless campout from hell, I kept wanting to know what was happening at Hogwarts; and it's not as if JKR hadn't broken narrative POV before when it suited her purposes ... so I decided to rectify it. I'm thrilled you liked it. Thanks so much.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
All through the endless campout from hell, I kept wanting to know what was happening at Hogwarts; and it's not as if JKR hadn't broken narrative POV before when it suited her purposes ... so I decided to rectify it. I'm thrilled you liked it. Thanks so much.
I love this story; so excited to see a new chapter! Lovely depiction of the closeness between Hermione and Harry.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
Awww, thank you!I personally think Harry and Hermione will be close friends forever, even if everything else in their lives goes to hell, these two will know they've been there and back and survived.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
Awww, thank you!I personally think Harry and Hermione will be close friends forever, even if everything else in their lives goes to hell, these two will know they've been there and back and survived.
I've been looking forward to another chapter of this for a long time, and it certainly didn't dissappoint. A very detailed and enjoyable look at the hours following the final battle. Many thanks. :)
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
Thank you, thank you!There were so many loose ends which were never resolved in canon, and I just couldn't write a story which immediately follows the Battle for Hogwarts without paying attention to some of them. Not to mention the emotional and physical state of these two survivors, and it gave me a chance to explore their friendship a little.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
Thank you, thank you!There were so many loose ends which were never resolved in canon, and I just couldn't write a story which immediately follows the Battle for Hogwarts without paying attention to some of them. Not to mention the emotional and physical state of these two survivors, and it gave me a chance to explore their friendship a little.
(taps foot impatiently, waiting for unicorns scene) yay, they got a decent meal and some rest! poor Kreacher and the other elves, all bandaged up; is Poppy healing them too? I wonder if Kreacher can get Grimmauld in habitable condition. thanks for the new chapter!!
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
You're already waiting for the unicorns? ::laughs:: You know, I really loved Kreacher's Charge of the Elf Brigade moment, and I wanted to show him reaping the rewards for his leadership. We should see more of Poppy in the next chapter ... and who knows we might even have the first sign of an antagonist!Thanks so much for reading!
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
You're already waiting for the unicorns? ::laughs:: You know, I really loved Kreacher's Charge of the Elf Brigade moment, and I wanted to show him reaping the rewards for his leadership. We should see more of Poppy in the next chapter ... and who knows we might even have the first sign of an antagonist!Thanks so much for reading!
I think I am in love; so far this story is absolutely wonderful!!! I love the sibling-like relationship between Hermione and Harry, she has always stood by his side, no matter if she agreed with him or not, she would stand by him when everyone else fails, just like a sister would. I also think they both realise that even if Ron is their friend, their link and loyalty towards eachother is much stronger, and different, than the link towards Ron. It is not that I need Ron-bashing to be happy (though it does make my day sometimes:-)), but I knew when I read DH that I would never forgive him for leaving them in the Forest of Dean. (I migth not beg for Ron-bashing, but you won't have him involved with Hermione when he returns, would you? You are not that cruel?)I am so happy that authors with your ability to write picks up the story where JKR left it. There were so many unansweared issues she could have dealt with in stead of writing that "Epilogue-that-should-never-have-seen-the-ligth-of-day" (You will totally ignore said epilogue, won't you?) I find major comfort in you keeping Severus alive, already correcting the biggest fault in DH:-) Since Hermione and Harry both have mentioned Umbrigde and Skeeter, I hope we will see some punishment of said toad and beetle? I want them to be humiliated, hurt and destroyed..:-))I will long for the next update:-))
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
What a kind thing to say. Thanks.I quite agree about the nature of Harry and Hermione's relationship, and it's one which I suspect will last their entire lives. He knows, in a way few of us ever do, that he can trust Hermione, sometimes even more than he can trust himself, to look out for his best interests, even to the detriment of her own. It's an important distinction I think is too little noted in canon, and I really wanted to show that here.It's not that Ron's a bad guy, or that Hermione's perfect ... it's that they would make each other unhappy.I'd love to tell you what's going to happen next, but I'm not sure yet ... I'm letting this story take me along for the ride, and so far it's been really fun.
Response from Bambu (Author of Saving a Death Eater)
What a kind thing to say. Thanks.I quite agree about the nature of Harry and Hermione's relationship, and it's one which I suspect will last their entire lives. He knows, in a way few of us ever do, that he can trust Hermione, sometimes even more than he can trust himself, to look out for his best interests, even to the detriment of her own. It's an important distinction I think is too little noted in canon, and I really wanted to show that here.It's not that Ron's a bad guy, or that Hermione's perfect ... it's that they would make each other unhappy.I'd love to tell you what's going to happen next, but I'm not sure yet ... I'm letting this story take me along for the ride, and so far it's been really fun.