Correspondence
Chapter 5 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.
The Great Hall was silent in the pre-dawn of the following winter morning, all the students still tucked into their warm beds, snoozing contentedly. This, of course, was the faculty of Hogwarts' favorite time the solitude of the early hours that were sans children, absent of headaches and responsibilities. A moment in time for reflection, introspection, planning and for the Headmistress, a time for uninterrupted worry.
Minerva drank her black tea in tiny sips as she studied the door that the staff lazily trickled through, most of them still rubbing the sleep from their eyes in a childlike manner. She was still troubled by the previous night's events and searched every face that entered the Great Hall with trepidation, willing her Potions master to be the next that strolled through the door. But he was not. When at last she resigned herself to making small talk with the professors that attempted to engage her attention, she noticed his apprentice slip into her chair and lock gazes with her, mirroring Minerva's concern in her young face.
The two did not have long to dwell on their shared anxiety, as Severus Snape emerged at last, took his seat next to Hermione, and flashed his customary look of such vitriol at Minerva that she felt immediately calmed. He turned and treated Hermione to the same expression, and Minerva frowned as the girl's face withered under his gaze. Satisfied that the women would remain silent, Severus turned to his coffee and glared at the double doors to the entrance of the Great Hall, preparing himself for the onslaught of teenage hormones that would infiltrate the room and invade all senses in a matter of moments.
Hermione pursed her lips, intent on not nibbling at them, and looked down into her breakfast. The gears of her brain turned over the events of the past few days, analyzing each piece of new information she had gleaned about the mysterious professor. The things she had always known about Severus Snape were neatly written on a dry erase board in her mind: cruel, brilliant, sarcastic, dry, moody, overlooked, loyal. Next to this was listed the new facts: abused, neglected, isolated, alienated, must be in control. This was underlined three times in red ink. He had loved, that was known. But had he been loved? Was he ever on the receiving end? And what about last evening?
While she knew that she should feel lucky that Snape seemed to have forgotten any sort of punishment he might have wished to dole out to her after the meeting in the Headmistress' office the day before, she knew better. Snape was not a man to forget. She fidgeted slightly in her seat, her fear escalating as the minutes ticked by and the man next to her remained silent. She had not seen or heard of him since the meeting and imagined that he had sat in his dungeons all that time, fingers touching in a steeple over his lap like a comical cartoon villain, a deep, maniacal laugh on his lips as he contemplated ways to torture her for the rest of her apprenticeship. Though the image might have once made her laugh, she knew Snape all too well and knew that this fear might not be too far from the truth. She stole a glance at his stony profile and tried to suppress a shiver.
It was then that the heavy entrance doors burst open, admitting a flood of raucous students hungry for the start of their day. All at once, the professors allowed a mask of authority to slide over their features, all dreams of tranquility pushed aside as though they were an unattainable dream. Hermione mustered up her own look of cool indifference and sternness as she overlooked the children throwing themselves onto the benches in a whirl of black robes and multicolored badges. She felt a fleeting loss for her best friends, for her own childhood, before reminding herself that tomorrow she would see them all again. A rush of joy filled her heart, and she momentarily forgot about the mercurial man seated beside her who at that moment leveled his gaze at her.
A sound of fluttering wings drowned out the noise of the students then, and small squeaks and hoots could be heard as the owls descended upon the Great Hall, bearing post and parcels. Hermione gasped as she recognized the tiny form of Pigwidgeon racing at her and grasping in his talons a thin envelope. She held out an outstretched arm for his landing, which he promptly overshot and landed in a tangle of bacon, china, and feathers at the far end of the staff table with a great crash. Several of the professors tittered and patted the poor owl as he made his way back to Hermione, swaying left to right, as though intoxicated, the envelope now safely in his beak. She ruffled his feathers and offered him several owl treats that he gratefully took as she lifted the envelope from his mouth. On the front of the envelope was scribbled, in Ron's typical hen-scratch penmanship: Hermione Granger, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Warmth flooded her fingers as she quickly tore open the envelope to reveal the letter inside, on which was written, in that familiar scrawl:
Hermione,
I hope you are doing all right. We haven't heard much from you since you landed that apprenticeship with the Greasy Old Git. I thought he might have used you for potions ingredients or else stuffed you in a glass jar, but Harry told me to shut it, and Ginny said I 'lack imagination'. Whatever that meant. Anyway, just writing to let you know that I'm bringing Lavender with us tomorrow and I hope you don't mind. It's just, you know, she got mad when I said I was going and didn't invite her. Oh, and Harry and Ginny are going to have some big news for you tomorrow, too. They won't tell me what it is 'cause they said I had to wait and find out with you. Berks. Anyway, thought I'd drop you a note before I see you tomorrow. Hope he lets you out of the glass jar for the dinner!
See you,
Ron
Hermione folded the letter and placed it in an inner pocket in her robes, the one closest to her heart. She could not wait until the feast tomorrow evening, and no silly, red-headed, overgrown child or tyrannical Potions master could take away the sheer happiness that flowed through her veins. No, not even the addition of a manipulative, ensnaring, boy-crazy, brainless, idiotic... girl to their company would steer her thoughts away from the exultation of seeing her three best friends, even if one of them was an ex-fiancé who had apparently made no short work of moving on...
Her thoughts had so engulfed her that she missed the large, haughty, eagle owl that landed neatly next to her left elbow, its leg extended toward the scowling professor beside her, and its head tilted toward the ceiling with an expression of sheer disgust at its surroundings. Severus quickly untied the scroll attached to the owl's proffered limb, and when the bird stared up at him arrogantly as if waiting for a treat or a tip, he unceremoniously shoved it off the table. In a whirl of fury, shock, and stray feathers, the owl took flight again, screeching in an ear-piercing pitch as it left.
Severus watched the owl's retreating form for a few moments before dragging his attention back to the scroll. Glancing around suspiciously, he unfolded the parchment and glowered as he recognized the formal calligraphy that was the most familiar handwriting known to him. But then, he had known the source of the letter before the owl had even descended. Smoothing out the parchment, he silently read:
Dearest friend,
I do hope this letter finds you well. We have missed your company at our celebration party of my son's nuptials, though we did receive your apologies and reasons for your absence. The gift of Felix Felicis was most pleasantly received by your godson and his new bride...
Severus then began to skim through the next two pages of meaningless flattery until he happened upon the point of the correspondence, at the very end of the third, and last, page:
Dear friend, you must know how difficult it has been for our family to once again rise above the labels forced upon us. My son and his wife have found few opportunities to advance their careers, though my son has a better chance now that his Auror training has been completed. It is on my new daughter-in-law's behalf that I beseech you for your help now. She wishes to become a fully trained Healer employed at St. Mungo's, but they have refused her entry without an apprenticeship in Potions. You, of course, are the most accomplished Potions master I know, and it is for that reason, and that of our enduring friendship through troubling times, that I ask you for this favor: please accept her as your apprentice. It has been said that you have already accepted your first apprentice the lovely Muggle-born Granger, but I assure you that my daughter-in-law's talents far surpass Granger's, as do the opportunities presented to her as one of my family. Please accept our gift of a donation to your private research fund as a symbol our gratitude. We will be expecting your appearance at tea tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Lucius Malfoy
Pure fury caused his hands to tremble as he reread the last paragraph. Extend an offer of apprenticeship to Pansy Malfoy, neé Parkinson? For a substantial sum of money? Money? What use had he of wealth?
But then...
He glanced out of the corner of his eye at Hermione Granger, who grinned almost smugly back at him. Smugly. He leered at her, pleased at once that she was taken aback and quickly diverted her gaze from him. Rolling up the scroll, he made his goodbyes (which generally consisted of a sneer, a curt nod, and a glare) as he tucked away the parchment into his robes and slipped out of the Great Hall before the Headmistress could detain him.
He made it only half the distance to the dungeons before he recognized the small click, click, clicking of footsteps far behind him as belonging to his nosy apprentice. He stopped abruptly and melted into the shadows as her footfalls came closer. Soon, a figure passed his hidden spot in an agitated blur. Turning his head slightly, he peeked out from the alcove to watch her small form as she continued on her search. Smiling inwardly, he listened as the footsteps echoed the owner's confusion as they came to a halt, then clicked softly, almost timidly, as Hermione spun around to find him.
So enthralled was he in the ancient game of predator versus prey that he nearly missed the subtle scent of femininity that wafted to his highly sensitive nose from the opposite direction. He knew the scent well; it was as deeply ingrained into his senses as a mother's scent is to her child. He inhaled deeply and stepped out of his hiding place and directly into the path of Minerva McGonagall with only the slightest trepidation.
"Will you ever outgrow that, Severus?" asked Minerva exasperatedly.
"Whatever do you mean, Headmistress?" questioned Snape, both his eyebrows raised in an innocent expression.
"You know well what I mean. Hiding! Sneaking up on unsuspecting..."
Severus interrupted what was quickly amounting to a rant with a dismissive flick of his hand. "Is there something you needed, Headmistress?" He glanced back to the spot that he had last seen Hermione, but she was no longer there.
His eyes returned to Minerva's as she spoke in a halting tone, clearly upset. "Severus, I came to talk to you about last night. I was..." She was interrupted again, this time by a guttural growl. Peering quizzically at him, she began again, "Severus, I had only enter..." Now it was a roar that effectively halted her speech.
"Here?" he spat at her. "Here? You are going to discuss this here?"
"Well, I don't see any reason..."
"No, you're right. You never see any reason, do you?" With that, Snape spun on his heel and defiantly strode down the corridor, his robes billowing in his wake. It took Minerva a few moments to digest what he had said and for the residual shock to wear off as she stared at his retreating form descending down to the dungeons. Belatedly, she shouted his name in admonishment.
From another alcove a few yards from the scene, hidden in the shadows, Hermione couldn't stifle her sigh of pent-up frustration. Her curiosity for her employer had waned this morning in the excitement of the upcoming event with the Order, but it had just peaked again when she had watched him read the scroll, and this argument that she had just witnessed only proved to fan the fire within. Taking a deep breath, she decided to try and confront the situation head-on. Waiting until Minerva was out of sight, Hermione dashed down to the dungeons, intent on getting answers to her burning questions.
***
With hands shaking in rage, Severus fumbled slightly in removing the wards on his private chambers. He did not want to be reminded of last night. He did not want to hear lectures on his behavior. Fury boiled within him once again as he thought of McGonagall in his rooms, examining, prying, trespassing.
He thundered to his desk and ripped the quill with violent force from its holder. Grabbing a stray piece of parchment, he began to write:
Lucius,
I thank you for the gift to enable my research. Mrs. Malfoy is welcome in these dungeons. I look forward to her addition to our staff as my newest apprentice. I am honored to be invited to tea, but ask that you make preparations for one more guest in addendum to myself.
Regards,
Severus Snape
Severus rolled the parchment up, sealed it with wax, and attached it to the leg of a school barn owl that he kept in his office for this very purpose. School owls were expendable to him and therefore were the only animals he used to transport messages back and forth to various allies and enemies; sent on paths that almost certainly condemned the animal to death.
He sent the owl off, watching it with amusement as it flew up the fireplace. Unable to use the Floo network, of course, and with no open windows to escape from in the dungeons, the owl simply used the fireplace to fly up the chimney to the exit at the top of castle to begin its journey.
A sharp rapping at his door interrupted the silence. "Enter," he growled menacingly, staring down at his desk and contemplating which stack of papers needed his attention first. He need not look up to know who crossed the threshold into his office her footsteps, timid yet determined, her scent of vanilla and peppermint, the crackling electricity in the air: Hermione Granger.
Reminding herself to breath, she opened her mouth to begin the interrogation, when she was suddenly struck dumb. Severus had looked up from his desk and into her eyes with the most chilling, disturbing, vicious grin she had ever imagined.
"Ah, Granger..." he purred at her, causing her blood to freeze.
Author's Note Three cheers for the most amazing, brilliant, charismatic beta ever: Angel Mischa! Any mistakes found are mine cause I ...am human!
Also: You may have noticed that the updates are a bit slower. Well, it's going to get a little worse. As it is a busy holiday season right now, and in less than a month a new semester starts for me... I'm going to be spread thin. So, please, please be patient, I will not abandon 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!