Dissemination
Chapter 18 of 19
KingPig***Winner of the Judge's Choice: Best Avada Kedavra in The New Library Awards 2008***
A conversation between two friends ignites a passion, if not an obsession, to uncover Severus Snape's dark and violent past.
A big, warm thank you to the wonderful members of Potter Place for placing Conversations on your holiday wish list! It really means a lot to me. And thank you to SW69 for the beautiful banner displayed above.
The chill of the dungeons never seemed to permeate Madam Pomfrey's demeanor as it did so many of the other staff at Hogwarts. Her gentleness and warmth were impenetrable to the desolate gloom and bitter cold of the bowels of the castle, and she never seemed to be satisfactorily affected by the icy manners of its only inhabitant.
As she stood over the sitting figure of Severus Snape, her eyes showed no fear, no discomfort, no anger, but only pure, undiluted concern. She placed a soft handkerchief under his nose, tittering blithely away at him, unmoved by his glacial stare or his distinct silence.
"Hold this in place," she ordered, and when his hand did not raise on its own volition, she pulled it up herself and pressed it against the cloth, letting go of his arm only after she was satisfied that he would keep it in place. "And don't..." she began as he threw his head back, "tilt your head backwards," she finished with a sigh. Poppy delicately pressed his head forward once more. "It can cause the blood to drain into your lungs," she explained.
He only stared back at her.
"Right. Well, I suppose you're going to fight me on this, but I need you to take this Calming Draught." Poppy picked up a nearby vial and pushed it into his free hand. "And I really wish you could just take it, just this once, without a fuss."
His eyes were empty as he continued to gaze at her.
"Well, I know you have a reputation to uphold," she continued on as though he had argued a valid point, "but if you just help me out this once, I promise I won't tell." She pressed her index finger against her lips in a gesture of silence.
He blinked. Slowly.
She frowned. Her entire body suddenly seemed to slump slightly, and this carefree façade she had tried so valiantly to keep in place began to crumble. She crouched down before him, eye to eye, and rested her hand on his left forearm. "I don't know what is going on, Severus, and I'm not going to pretend that I do." She flashed him a watery smile as she tried desperately to keep her voice steady.
He stared at the spot where her hand touched him.
She swallowed with slight difficulty. "What I do know is that I miss you," she whispered between a soft, shuddering breath. She looked away as a single tear escaped her. "I miss your wit, your sharp intellect," she paused for a moment as she let out a nervous laugh, "I even miss the way you constantly question my every diagnosis."
She returned her gaze to his inky eyes. "I know you won't talk to me, Severus, though you have no idea how many times I fervently prayed to the gods that you would. But please, please speak to someone. Anyone. Because," more tears escaped her now, her voice breaking, "because we want you back. I need you back." Poppy wiped her tears away roughly. "Just, just come back."
He was silent.
"Wherever you are, right now, I hope some of what I have said has reached you." She suddenly placed her hands on either side of his face, her eyes searching his, their noses only inches away. "I love you."
Poppy leaned back in her uncomfortable position, waiting for what seemed to be an eternity for any response from him.
But there was only a blank stare followed by more deafening, ringing silence that seemed to mock her, assault her.
When she could finally take no more and when the sobs threatened to break the thin resolve she had left, she quickly stood and walked toward the door that led out into the dungeon corridor. "I'll be right back," she said in a strange voice, "I just need a moment to freshen up."
But when she had returned only mere moments later, he was gone.
And the Calming Draught lay, unopened, on his desk.
***
Hermione glanced up from her bed to once more ask her guest if there were anything Pansy required.
Mrs. Malfoy, resting on a spare bed, her eyes staring up at the ceiling in a longsuffering expression, once again responded in the negative.
The candles had been extinguished, the room sinking into a tense silence. Every few moments a creaking of bed springs or a shuffling of bed covers could be heard as each witch tried to mimic the sounds of someone blithely seeking the comfort of sleep.
Both women lay uneasily on the soft mattresses with their crisp, clean sheets, each wanting desperately to say something to the other, to confide in one another, but neither able to form the words that would complete the first step for a connection, and neither were certain that it was a risk worth taking.
When rest finally found them both, it was several hours later.
***
The brisk, biting wind assaulted his face just as he appeared on the desolate street, stepping cleanly out of his Apparation with his professorial robes flapping wildly in agitation. In silence, he stole quickly to the house on the end, his rapid steps instinctively avoiding every divot in the small lawns he crossed.
Once at the door, he waved his wand in a series of complicated movements, deftly disarming the several extreme, and often redundant, sets of wards. Glancing over his shoulder in a lifelong habit to check that he was not followed nor noticed, Severus slipped swiftly inside his 'home' at Spinner's End, the door closing behind him with a barely audible click.
***
The latest member of the Malfoy family shifted once again on the silky, crimson-colored sheets, her sleep interrupted by the sound of soft whimpering from the neighboring bed. With a grumble of impatience, Pansy shed the bedcovers and silently pulled back the curtains that shielded her from the rest of the room.
Peering out, she could see through the gaping curtains of the next bed to where the figure of Hermione slumbered noisily, as though purposefully intending to make Pansy's overnight stay as uncomfortable as possible.
After a snort of annoyance, Pansy's gaze flitted over to the spare wardrobe where, within its closed doors, her stack of correspondence lay, secreted away from prying eyes. If she were to be honest with herself, she knew that her inability to find a peaceful sleep could not be attributed to the sounds of her roommate, but to the anxiety that pulsed through her in regards that singular stack of parchment.
She had nothing new to report.
She had everything to report.
She had a duty but to whom? To the recipient of these letters? Or to herself, her self-worth, her own dignity and self-respect, dammit?
She sat back against the pillows, nervously winding a lock of hair around her index finger. She hated not knowing the "bigger picture," the "grand plan" that she knew she was involved in. A true Slytherin, she reminded herself, would never allow themselves to get wrapped up in a plot without a calculated understanding of all sides involved and a knowledge of how to work the situation to their advantage. And Pansy knew nothing, nothing other than what she was ordered to do.
Sitting up suddenly, she resolved to do what she had done all along: do as she was asked, but keep a steady stream of information stored away as a bargaining chip. It wasn't the best plan, she would be the first to admit, but in dealing with the two opposing forces that she had found herself in the midst of, it was the safest route she could currently devise. To opt out completely was unfathomable and extremely unwise, to say the least.
She fumbled around on the nightstand for her wand, and once it was firmly in her grasp, she resolutely flung her arm through the bed curtains and aimed it at the nearest wardrobe. Silently, she issued a summoning charm for the unfinished correspondence with a surge of power that belied her frustration.
The twin doors sprang open violently, and as the sound of rustling parchment hit her ears, she realized her mistake. The unwitting force she had supplied to the spell caused not only the stack of letters to haphazardly fly toward her, but they caused the wardrobe itself to tremble, and a strange cardboard box suddenly fell from the topmost shelf. Quickly, she cast another Accio at the box before it hit the ground, causing it and its contents to soar at her, slamming into her arm before she had a chance to brace herself, and spilling out across her bedcovers as the parchment rained down around her.
She winced and waited for Hermione to wake, to come over and inspect, but after a few moments there seemed to be no sign that the other witch's slumber was disturbed. A few minutes of breathless silence later, and Pansy finally allowed herself a sigh of relief.
She began to gather the parchment together, trying frantically to place it all in the right chronological order, when something suddenly caught her eye.
Amidst all the clutter, a single envelope bearing the Hogwarts seal lay innocently before her, addressed to Severus Snape.
***
She was shuffling through the corridors of Hogwarts; the familiar sensation of being invisible was welcoming, if not strictly desired. Unbidden thoughts formed in her mind, thoughts that this would be the last time she would walk these passages as a nobody, the last time she would ever be overlooked, the last time she would be considered unworthy of attention.
Taller girls pushed passed her, on their way to their classes, their eyes never once flitting in her direction. Deeply within herself, she considered questioning why this should matter, when had it ever mattered that other girls ignored her? But the thought was fleeting, immediately deemed unimportant, and she felt a strange need to be noticed by these young witches, to be noticed and desired. But she was ignored, just another obstacle to be overcome as they made their way deeper into the dungeons, intent on not being late to class.
She was never late to class, she reflected. But this time she felt a small panic inside her, an urge to hurry, a realization that this time, if she didn't rush, she would be late. Late for Potions. Her favorite class. With her.
Hermione broke into a slight trot, her books clutched tightly to her chest. She had a strange fear that she might be delayed, purposefully, from her goal by a group of boys that hovered just within her line of sight, only a few feet away from the classroom door. She slowed her pace, tilting her head down so that her hair might obscure her face and, hopefully, hide her entirely from their view.
She exulted when she entered the room unscathed and within time. A beautiful girl sat at a workbench at the front of the class, the seat next to her empty. Hermione tried to look around the room, but found her eyes would only stare straight ahead, directly at the red-headed girl. She felt her face flush as the girl returned her gaze, and she almost forgot to place one foot in front of the other as she made her way toward that coveted empty seat.
"'Bout time," greeted the girl impishly.
Hermione opened her mouth to explain why she had been almost, very nearly late, but all that came out was a dull, "Yeah."
Suddenly, the girl's hand reached out and rested on Hermione's right knee in a warm, friendly gesture. "Just make sure you aren't late again; I won't have you being the only reason that I don't achieve an 'O' in this subject."
Hermione gulped as her brain became flooded with panic. Where the girl's hand lay felt foreign, yet it radiated heat and a strange energy. Hermione's body trembled slightly, and she felt the oddest sensation between her legs. A hunger seemed to rage deep in her lower abdomen, a fire that was rapidly escalating out of control. She blinked, looked away, swallowed hard, trying desperately to regain control of the situation.
"Oh, sorry, I forgot," whispered the girl in concern. She pulled back her hand quickly and offered an apologetic smile.
Hermione wanted to scream at her, to tell her it was fine, to beg her to put her hand back, to rage at the girl for putting Hermione in this impossible situation. When she opened her mouth, however, all that came out was a gruff, irritated, "I don't like to be touched."
The girl flashed Hermione another apologetic smile. "Someday, I hope you get over that, Sev," she said kindly. Her smile turned slightly sultry (or was it just the lighting?) and she continued, "Touching isn't always all bad, you know."
Much to her own surprise, Hermione let out a snort of derision. Under her breath and out of earshot of the enchanting girl, she found herself muttering words that were not her own: "When it's with me, it is."
Author's Note Wicked big hugs to my beta, Angel Mischa, who finds time in her overworked schedule to whip this chapter into shape. Thank you, AM!!
I'd also like to thank Amsev and Emmeline33 for their invaluable input; without you three this story would never see the light of day!
I apologize for the delay in the updates - by no means am I planning to abandon this story! It's just that work is down to the deadline and there's no way I'm gonna be able to pull it all off in time (begging for an extension), and with the holidays upon us, well... yeah, so, enough excuses. I'm terribly sorry, and I hope to update the next chapter very soon!
Thank you to everyone who reads and takes the time to leave reviews! I know my responses are somewhat delayed, and I apologize, but each and every review means the world to me, and without them, this story would have ended long ago as a one-shot. Thank you!
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Latest 25 Reviews for Conversations
323 Reviews | 6.63/10 Average
Wow, what a wonderful story!I've been finding those kind of stories for a long time.Love the way you describe Snape and his horrible past.This is the first time I've ever wrote a review on a fic.Please continue with your story! :)
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you so very much! I'm so honored to be the first receipient of a review from you! I know I haven't updated this story in almost a year, but my RL career has had me working overtime constantly, and I'm almost finished with my all-consuming project, and around this time next month, I should have the free time available to post the next chapter. Thank you again!
I'll say that you've continued to write wonderfully. I like your plot, and the way you protray the characters. I've happily favorited this story and hope to see it up-dated soon. 
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you so much! The story is on a little hiatus right now, as I have a deadline for my RL work – but in the next few weeks I should have time to come back to Conversations and update! Thank you again!
I LOVE your banner!! It looks amazing! And I really like the chapter! I hope the rest of this story is this good!
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you so, so very much! I hope I don't disappoint!
Anonymous
I do love Luna. What a wonderful vehicle she is for all things wise. If you need any help with chapter 20, don't hesitate to poke me. I promise there'll be no more disappearances! ;)
Author's Response: LOL! I'd be really, really, really grateful and appreciative of any help you'd offer! Kittylefish has graciously offered to beta for me, but I can use all the help I can get! LOL.
I have all but the very beginning of chapter 20 – which may be superfluous anyway (the beginning). Not sure.
I just found this story by accident a couple of days ago. Now I see that you have not updated for months. I do hope that nothing has gone so terribly wrong in your life that you cannot finish this thrilling tale. That is a selfish attitude, I know, but it is all your fault for being such a good writer. I simply must know how Hermione wins him over and helps him to realize how precious and beautiful and special he really is. Please, please update soon. Don't abandon this exquisitly written piece of fan fiction.
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
LOL, no, not a selfish attitude at all! I greatly, truly appreciate your review and encouragement! I do feel very guilty about the lack of updates, and thankfully I have no tragic excuse – I have just been extremely busy with "RL" issues regarding work, vacations, and, unfortunately, a horrible case of writer's block. However (!), I have written a bit of the next chapter, and am posting a little snippet of it on my livejournal today (I'm a bit worried that this particular section of the story might be too... fluffy, so I'm looking for some constructive criticism), which you can check, if you'd like, at http://kingpig.livejournal.com/ ... please let me know what you think if you do take a look at it, and don't mind a bit of a spoiler. Once I get it all worked out, and find a willing beta, then I should have something posted here soon. Thank you, thank you, thank you again!
I've been reading all day long to read this story in one rush and it was so, so worth it! Psychological stories are hard to write and I have to say that I love this one! Please keep going! xox
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you so much! I'm so thrilled you enjoyed it, and I agree, psychological stories are very difficult to write (and very draining) – but without at least some psychological aspect, a story can become very hard to read. I am working on the next chapter, but I am stretched a bit thin when it comes to RL occupation, RL in general, and the SBB project... plus the fact that Severus is just not cooperating :( But I am working on it, so please stay tuned, and thank you again!
Oh, welcome back! I just love having my empathy beaten up from all directions at once. Your portrayal of Snape's PTSD is so believable. I can imagine that he must feel like a accident victim brought to a trauma center to have his life saved. First you're found (by strangers), then immobilized on back board and hard collar to prevent further injury (whether or not you find it uncomfortable or claustrophobic), then you're poked and prodded and a mask put over your face. Transported who knows where. Everyone is talking at you all at once. You arrive at the ER and then they cut off all your clothes in front of God and everybody and proceed to expose you, open your wounds, clean them out with industrial solvents, manipulate your body, more needles but no pain meds, blinding lights, a whole cacophony of incomprehensible sound, and no control, no say in what is being done, nowhere to hide, no way to escape. And all the while, they say they are helping and you're supposed to believe them. **small animal sounds of distress**Hermione will need every bit of her very old soul's experience to help this terribly battered hero with the new soul to learn that there really is love in the world for him. Bravissima. Please continue.
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
I absolutely adore your review, and I don't think I could ever apologize enough for my response being so late. *hangs head in shame* I'm very, very sorry!I love the analogy as well, as I never really thought about it in that context, although I had quite a similiar experience! (On top of all that you described, my little sister had witnessed the car accident, and because they put me on a board with the collar, she called my mom and told her I was paralyzed, then she called my grandmother to say I was dead. She was only ten, and I 16, so you can imagine my surprise when I was wheeled out into the lobby in a wheelchair, with only superficial wounds and one cut needing a paltry three stitches, and my entire family – including some I had never before met – greeted me with tear stained faces and the expression as though they were looking at a ghost. I fear most of them were disappointed I didn't at least break a bone, LOL!)And I agree that Hermione will need to draw on her wisdom-beyond-her-age reserves, but she'll also have a few issues of her own, in regards to emotional maturity, so it probably become a "blind leading the blind" scenario for a small bit.Thank you, thank you, and thank you some more! I don't know when the next chapter will be posted, but I am spending what little free time I can to devote to it! Please stay tuned!
Minerva must have a lot of grief on hr plate. She made some serious mistakes with Severus over the years. Hopefully he will be willing to try to let her make amends.
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you so much for the review! Yes, I believe Minerva is just now realizing the magnitude of her and AD's past behavior. I think Severus may be feeling as though it's really convenient, that MM and RL and PP suddenly want to apologize, now that the damage is done and was ignored for so long. But, that's not to say that Severus will completely shut her, them, out.Thank you again!
Yay! I'm glad you're back!This is a great story, gripping and intense, though I found difficult to read sometimes.A lot of authors who go high on angst can't portray their characters as -well- f#cked up enough for what they've allegedly been through - your Snape is a stellar exception!It's chilling to watch him vacillate between the persona of the controlled Professor and that of a wounded child. You make it all psychologically believable - great job!My only worry is how on earth will he be capable of forming any sort of functioning relationship with Hermione.You DO have "romance" listed in genre tags for that story, albeit at the very end - is that how long we'll have to wait to see some lovin'?Do you have this story mapped out, or do you write as it unfolds for you? (I think I've read in one of your Author's Notes that it started off as one-shot. Sorry if I got it wrong, I seldom notice A/N's when on a reading binge.)Good luck in all your RL exploits, may nothing distract you from updating ASAP!Thank you for a great evening!
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you so, so much! Although it can be very difficult indeed, I'm so thrilled that you stay with it. And I very, very greatly appreciate your comment about my characterization of Snape as a realistic survivor of intense trauma. I often feel, because I'm my own worst critic, that I'm not truly conveying the gravity of his circumstances, so a review like yours means so, so much to me! I also share your concern over how he and Hermione will be able to form a healthy relationship – I know it will happen, as that's the true plot and original direction of the story, but <i>how</i> and how long it will take is a little worrisome, I admit. I do know that it is possible, as I write some of his childhood directly from my own experience, and I have found and formed a healthy relationship with my husband – it just took a while to do. And, also, I sadly don't have this story really mapped out, there was no outline – you are correct, it did just start as a one-shot, and I'm letting the story write itself. Which may upset some readers, because I have no idea how long this story will be, or exactly what obstacles it will contain, and I have a feeling people can tell that it's unfolding as it goes... mostly because, to me, it seems to jump around a lot, and there are a few scenes that have yet to be really explained (what Minerva saw when she walked into his room that made him so angry, what Hermione will do with the shoebox of mementos, what kind of potion Severus was about to drink before his fight with Remus...). Sorry to make this response such an epic novel in and of itself, but I really appreciate your insightful review, and I wanted to reply to it with the respectful explanation that it is due. Thank you so, so much again! Chapter 20 is in the process of being written as we speak!
“I bet this is a strange world to him.” Luna is so remarkably perceptive! And I do hope she is right about Hermione's ability to help this poor, tortured, brave soul.I think it may be a testimony to his courage that he did not become a true psychopath, that he did what he was driven to do yet still did not break into a thousand pieces.And good for Minerva trying to get through to him, telling him of her own shame and shortcomings, as well as of her love. He may never truly believe it, but his confusion suggests that perhaps he might be able to at least know that she believes it.Who is Patsy communicating so carefully with? And how will they use the knowledge of Severus' role in the family tragedy?Fascinating!
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you so much! In regards to the Luna comment, I'm really relieved that you enjoyed it. Their entire dialogue (HG and LL) was something I wasn't sure of including, even up to the point of clicking "submit." It was in constant risk of being cut, and I'm so glad that you liked it!As for Minerva and Pansy, I can't really elaborate on that just yet, as it's central to the upcoming chapters, but I don't think you'll be disappointed! Thank you again, your reviews are always delightful!
This was a most interesting chapter!! I loved the 'discussion' between Luna and Hermione. Luna always has such a deep understanding of life. I think her 'knowing' always leaves people a little confused. What really surprised me was the whole bit on Pansy's letter writing. It made me laugh as it is basically the same way I write things. The rewriting, the editing, the careful scanning to make sure it says only what I want it to say... it was funny to see my own unconscious process under a new light.I was also very taken with Minerva's heart-felt speech to Severus. "And every time you proved your intense loyalty, your passionate veracity, your inherent Light that shines so blindingly bright, it casts pale shadows over all the others I had ever perceived as heroes – every time, Severus, I would stand in awe..." - Oh Yes! That is our Severus.
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you! I'm so relieved to hear that you enjoyed the scene with Luna and Hermione – it very nearly ended up on the cutting room floor. Even after it was submitted, I was very uncertain about it.LOL, yay, another person who writes things with such a neurotic process as Pansy and I do! I'm really bad about it, for because of this, it takes me forever to even type out a text message. And I see tones and inflections in emails, texts, etc., so people are always confused when I call them and say, "What did I do to make you so disappointed/angry/sad/etc?" They're like, "Wha?" and I say, "You used '...' after [insert word here], which could only mean you were slightly annoyed/uncertain/etc." It drives my friends, family, and especially my husband insane. And I'm thrilled that you enjoyed Minerva's speech to Severus, it was, admittedly, my favorite piece to write in this chapter. Thank you again!
this has to be one of the darkest fics i've ever read. but phenominally well written. everyone failed severus, everyone. and your story shows that perfectly. thanks so much and i await the next chapter.
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you so much! The next chapter is currently in the works, but has been delayed due to a recent death of a family member as well as current job deadlines looming over my head. I hope to have something up in the next few weeks, please stay tuned!
well, the idea of young snape having to take matters into his hands that way is fairly disturbing, and pansy sending off that article with her letter is of concern. perhaps minerva's words will somehow get through to him. very dense and complex chapter.
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you so very much! Things are starting to come together, and the next chapter is in the works!
Can't wait for the next chapter! Plese don't make it too long! I've just discovered your story and I really appreciate its psychological depth. But I have to confess that so far, I really don't see how Severus and Hermione could end up together. Not that I don't want them to! Snape seems to be a "hopeless" case. But I trust you to make it credible:)
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you so much! I know it seems bleak for our heroes, but love often pops up in the most unexpected, even inappropriate, times. I can say it won't be all roses and rainbows – but have faith... love may not be able to heal <i>all</i>, but it can still heal.Thank you again! The next chapter is in the works, but may be delayed due to a recent death in my family in addition to a looming job deadline. I do, often, give updates to the story's progress on my livejournal – my LJ name is kingpig (I'd post the link but I don't know if I'm allowed to...)
okay, so Pansy might just be caught in a bad situation and not really doing something wicked, although she knows she needs to be careful. Minerva has finally communicated to Severus, and I hope she sticks with her intentions. the article Pansy found is heart-wrenching, and I can see a small Severus always regretting that he didn't act soon enough to save his mother's life. stupid wizarding world had no Dept of Social Services to care for wizarding orphans and maltreated kids! Dumbledore was not a good parent-figure to anyone.thank you for the new chapter, and thanks to Sonia and shellsnapeluver for stepping in to help you!
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you so much! I agree, a Wizarding equivalent of a Dept. of Social Services is desperately needed – hopefully, in the future, Hermione will be able to remedy that. :)
I usually can't read stories that involve abuse and rape, but your writing manages to do that in such a touching manner that I find myself helplessly reading it all in one go. Thank you for such a powerful chapter.
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you for such a wonderful review! I do apologize that it has taken this long to respond, RL has really caught up with me these last few months.RL as in real life, not Remus Lupin, lol. Just for my own clarification.
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you for such a wonderful review! I do apologize that it has taken this long to respond, RL has really caught up with me these last few months.RL as in real life, not Remus Lupin, lol. Just for my own clarification.
Just re-read this wonderful tale, well as much as you have written, and am eagerly awaiting your next chapter...
Loves you, Sonia :)
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you so much! I dearly appreciate your reviews. I did write a little of the next chapter, and it is turning out to be pretty dark. Grrrrr, I can't wait until things start to look up. Did you have a chance to go over the SS/HG x-change stories I sent? Did they send okay? I ask because the last time you replied to my email I didn't get it, only your message on LJ. If you haven't had a chance, I totally understand!
Response from sbrande (Reviewer)
No I went through it that night and wrote you back a lengthy reply as well as beta'ed it.
Damn it... Did you get either of them back??? I am VERY reliable and if I say I will do something I do. Shite a brick, I think I deleted it too. Please re-send.
I think you should go with the second one as the Zombie one will be too complex, unless you want to write like the wind. I like the Zombie one better for plot, but I think you will receive more reviews for the other one as that is what people want... NOT ME.
Love Sonia :)
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Aaaw :( I'm so sorry. For some reason, it seems as though I can't receive emails from you, but I can send them to you. I'll give you another email addy to try (kingpig@mac.com) when I resend you the files. I didn't mean to imply that you didn't do it, just that I'm afraid I can't receive emails from you, or that perhaps you are a little busy. I agree with what you said, and I will probably go with the first prompt (though I'm afraid to state either here, as the prompter may be reading the reviews...). It is less complex, but I really would have loved to do the, uh, more interesting one. But I agree, it is something that does not lend itself to a short story format – it is something I'd like to explore in depth. So, I'll do the the prompt that most people might want to read, and then after the exchange, I'll probably write the more interesting prompt in a chaptered format, dedicate and credit the idea to the prompter, and probably ask permission to write it. I'll resend!
Response from sbrande (Reviewer)
Okay. Have just woken up. Am feeding the dogs and then the kids are next however, I shall get right on it.
love Sonia :)
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you so much! I dearly appreciate your reviews. I did write a little of the next chapter, and it is turning out to be pretty dark. Grrrrr, I can't wait until things start to look up. Did you have a chance to go over the SS/HG x-change stories I sent? Did they send okay? I ask because the last time you replied to my email I didn't get it, only your message on LJ. If you haven't had a chance, I totally understand!
Response from sbrande (Reviewer)
No I went through it that night and wrote you back a lengthy reply as well as beta'ed it.
Damn it... Did you get either of them back??? I am VERY reliable and if I say I will do something I do. Shite a brick, I think I deleted it too. Please re-send.
I think you should go with the second one as the Zombie one will be too complex, unless you want to write like the wind. I like the Zombie one better for plot, but I think you will receive more reviews for the other one as that is what people want... NOT ME.
Love Sonia :)
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Aaaw :( I'm so sorry. For some reason, it seems as though I can't receive emails from you, but I can send them to you. I'll give you another email addy to try (kingpig@mac.com) when I resend you the files. I didn't mean to imply that you didn't do it, just that I'm afraid I can't receive emails from you, or that perhaps you are a little busy. I agree with what you said, and I will probably go with the first prompt (though I'm afraid to state either here, as the prompter may be reading the reviews...). It is less complex, but I really would have loved to do the, uh, more interesting one. But I agree, it is something that does not lend itself to a short story format – it is something I'd like to explore in depth. So, I'll do the the prompt that most people might want to read, and then after the exchange, I'll probably write the more interesting prompt in a chaptered format, dedicate and credit the idea to the prompter, and probably ask permission to write it. I'll resend!
Response from sbrande (Reviewer)
Okay. Have just woken up. Am feeding the dogs and then the kids are next however, I shall get right on it.
love Sonia :)
Hey Babe,
I am going to read this wonderful story again now. Just read the first chapter because I love it so very much.
Love Sonia :)
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
LOL oh no! If you read it all from the beginning, all the plot holes will become obvious!! *ducks*
Response from sbrande (Reviewer)
No, because it is not complete yet. If it were complete then sure there would be a whole heap of plot holes ;)
Love Sonia :)
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
LOL I need to remember to fill those holes at some point...
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
LOL oh no! If you read it all from the beginning, all the plot holes will become obvious!! *ducks*
Response from sbrande (Reviewer)
No, because it is not complete yet. If it were complete then sure there would be a whole heap of plot holes ;)
Love Sonia :)
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
LOL I need to remember to fill those holes at some point...
Uh oh. So many intriguing questions! What is Pansy's role in all this (and it's interesting to see her reluctance); Hermione's decidedly odd not-Hermione'ish dream certainly explains her sleeping through the disturbance Pansy caused.I really liked Poppy here. Her concern for Severus feels achingly real.
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you so much for the thoughtful, encouraging review! I very much enjoyed writing Poppy's scene, and I felt very saddened that I have to write him leaving like that, which only ramps up her anxiety and concern to new levels. I hope she'll forgive me.Thank you again!
I enjoyed Poppy the most in this chapter. Her concern made the chapter for me.
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Oh, I am so glad you enjoyed that! It was very cathartic to write Poppy's scene, in a way. Thank you for the thoughtful review!
Ah so, the precious, precious shoebox and its contents have once again been "found." Hermione still seems to be tangled in Severus' most intimate memories. Is he in any way tangled in hers? And Pansy Malfoy ne Parkinson, a woman who feels scorned by everyone, presented with such an "opportunity"... What will she do with it? I wonder what happens when someone hands a beyond-Hades fury a monkey wrench? Welcome back.
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you so much for this thoughtful review! Unfortunately, I'm not quite "back" yet... I will try really hard to update before Feb 1st, but as that is my newest work deadline, I can't make any promises. But I'll try! And, though it'll be explained more in coming chapters, I'll go ahead and answer at least one of your questions... No, Severus is in no way entangled in Hermione's memories. It's a one-way phenomenon. Thank you again!
The dream Hermione is having is quite interesting!
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you for the review! I'll be able to explain the dream more fully in the coming chapters.
Another tantalyzing chapter, filled with more questions than answers (that is not a criticism!).Poppy's concern is very touching, while Severus' near-catatonia is frightening. And what in heaven's name is Pansy up to, and at whose behest? (I know you've warned of a not-at-all-nice LM, so I'm assuming he's part of it, but part of what, I wonder?) That letter (and the box it came from) should be interesting--what is it doing there?And what's with that funky, odd dream? Who is dreaming, and how do Hermione and Severus get so mixed together, and in Lily's presence?SO many questions! Hope you have time to give us more soon--this is a dark and twisty tale, and I am hooked!
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
LOL, thank you so much!! I just adore your reviews! I had a lot of fun writing Poppy in this chapter, and I think if she had her way, she would have showed up at his doorstep intending to spend the next two weeks with him, 24/7.As for the dream, it will be explained in depth a little more later, but I'll try and clarify it a bit for you now. It's not quite so much a dream as it is one of Severus' memories, inexplicibly (for now, and did I even spell that right?) connecting her and Severus like a long-distance, unconscious Legilimency... thing. Heh. I promise, it will all become clear (...eventually)!I will try really hard to update before Feb 1st, but as that is my newest work deadline, I can't make any promises. But I'll try!
(blinks...) wha??? I need more, please!!! what did Pansy find, are Lucius-Cissa-Draco part of the thing she's in, who is masterminding the thing that Pansy is in, what is the meaning of Hermione's dream?? at least I know Severus is able to get about on his own, and he prolly feels "safe" at Spinner's End. I will cross my fingers for you to finish your yourdeadline! thanks for updating.
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! I really, really want to answer your questions right here in this response, but then I know it will take all the fun of discovery out of it. I will try really hard to update before Feb 1st, but as that is my newest work deadline, I can't make any promises. But I'll try!
so happy to see the update! and i do hope it won't be so long until the next, as what a place you've left off! i shudder to think of pansy seeing what's in that box - poor snape has already been violated enough. plus, not knowing what her agenda is, it worries me. anyway, i am still really enjoying this story. happy holidays and good luck with the work stuff. and i hope rl lets up soon so we can hear more from you on this story!
Response from KingPig (Author of Conversations)
Thank you so much for the thoughtful review! I do have a work deadline of Feb 1st, so I can't promise an update until after that date, but I will work really hard to try!