A Murder of Crows
HogwartsClassof911,052 Reviews | 7.3/10 (1,052 Ratings, 0 Likes, 798 Favorites )
Adult Hermione wants to forget the mistakes of her past. Snape
knows all about secrets and lies. Forced to work together, their dislike for
one another turns into reluctant desire. Will they learn to trust each other in
time to stop the insidious plot bent on changing the future of the wizarding
world forever?
Chapters (33)
About HogwartsClassof91
Author
HogwartsClassof91
Member Since 2008 | 6 Stories | Favorited by 316 | 137 Reviews Written | 1,552 Review Responses
"A Murder of Crows" was my first foray into fan-fiction, and I treasure the lessons I've learned while posting it.
Reviews for A Murder of Crows
what a complete and utter swine is bertram! i echo hermione's feeling about it being a touch exciting to elicit that kind of response in severus. whew! thanks so much for this great update and i (along with hermione) am looking forward to see what happens next!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Bertram really is a little weasel, isn't he?! Actually, that's probably an insult to weasels...And you're right - there's something about a man being on the very edge of control that's a bit thrilling. And I don't see Snape as the kind of man to do anything in halves - he's either completely in control or cracked.Next chapter has been sent for final beta, so I'm sure I'll be submitting it to the queue soon. Thanks so much for the lovely review!!!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Bertram really is a little weasel, isn't he?! Actually, that's probably an insult to weasels...And you're right - there's something about a man being on the very edge of control that's a bit thrilling. And I don't see Snape as the kind of man to do anything in halves - he's either completely in control or cracked.Next chapter has been sent for final beta, so I'm sure I'll be submitting it to the queue soon. Thanks so much for the lovely review!!!
I was procrastinating from doing my exchange fic (writer's block and all) when I saw that you had updated! I was so excited! And the chapter was good, but it was over too soon. I don't mean that it was short or anything, just that I wanted to read more. 
I love the Hermione and Severus interactions, you write them so well. And that Bertram is so annoying. It's like being in high school where you pretend to be stupid (or something like that) just so that some cute boy can tutor you. How obnoxious! He needs to go away. Great work!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
That's funny - I've been procrastinating from finishing my exchange fic, too! (Don't tell anyone.) And I keep allowing myself to waste tons of time tinkering with chapters of this story (that I completed months ago) instead of writing the new one. We're terrible!!Thank you so much for the lovely compliments - and you're not the only one who commented on this chapter being short. It really wasn't, of course; some of the other chapters were shorter... But perhaps because there's a lot of dialogue it just goes faster. Or maybe for once I didn't bog it down with ceaseless description. LOL...Bertram is quite obnoxious - you're certainly right about that. I actually feel quite bad because I just realised that he's the only American(ish) character and I made him an utter weasel. Whoops! Entirely unintentional, I promise!Thanks again for the review. The next chapter has been sent for final beta, so I'll be adding it to the queue soon. Good luck with your exchange fic!!!!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
That's funny - I've been procrastinating from finishing my exchange fic, too! (Don't tell anyone.) And I keep allowing myself to waste tons of time tinkering with chapters of this story (that I completed months ago) instead of writing the new one. We're terrible!!Thank you so much for the lovely compliments - and you're not the only one who commented on this chapter being short. It really wasn't, of course; some of the other chapters were shorter... But perhaps because there's a lot of dialogue it just goes faster. Or maybe for once I didn't bog it down with ceaseless description. LOL...Bertram is quite obnoxious - you're certainly right about that. I actually feel quite bad because I just realised that he's the only American(ish) character and I made him an utter weasel. Whoops! Entirely unintentional, I promise!Thanks again for the review. The next chapter has been sent for final beta, so I'll be adding it to the queue soon. Good luck with your exchange fic!!!!
I was so amazed by the amount of tension between Hermione and Severus. I was wondering how long it would take before Severus cracks under the pressure, and finally talks to Hermione about his feelings. One problem, I wonder how Neville will respond to this. Draco will undoubtedly be happy for them. I'm looking forward to reading the next chapter.
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Oh, I'm so glad I was able to write this in a way that some of the tension came through - I was trying very hard for that. Subsequent chapters will definitely show the reactions of others who are aware of the attraction between SS and HG. Although something tells me that everyone will soon be distracted by the goings-on of Arglist Industries. :-OThanks so much for the review - I really appreciate it!!
The next chapter has been sent for final beta and I'll be adding it to the queue soon...
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Oh, I'm so glad I was able to write this in a way that some of the tension came through - I was trying very hard for that. Subsequent chapters will definitely show the reactions of others who are aware of the attraction between SS and HG. Although something tells me that everyone will soon be distracted by the goings-on of Arglist Industries. :-OThanks so much for the review - I really appreciate it!!
The next chapter has been sent for final beta and I'll be adding it to the queue soon...
I KNEW something was going on with Bertram....at least it wsn't COMPLETELY evil like I was thinking! Excellent chapter!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Well... we THINK it wasn't completely evil. His interest in Hermione could have been a smokescreen...:-)Just kidding... you're very clever to have suspected Bertram so quickly. ~pouts~Next chapter has been sent for final beta and will be added to the queue soon. Thanks so much for the review and the very pretty stars!!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Well... we THINK it wasn't completely evil. His interest in Hermione could have been a smokescreen...:-)Just kidding... you're very clever to have suspected Bertram so quickly. ~pouts~Next chapter has been sent for final beta and will be added to the queue soon. Thanks so much for the review and the very pretty stars!!
Oh I can't wait for the next chapter!!! I'm completely addicted!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
I'm so glad to hear you're enjoying it!! I just sent the next chapter in for final beta, so I'll be adding it to the queue soon. Thanks so much for the review and the lovely stars!!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
I'm so glad to hear you're enjoying it!! I just sent the next chapter in for final beta, so I'll be adding it to the queue soon. Thanks so much for the review and the lovely stars!!
I'm so glad I stuck with this story because I really like it.It's like I want Hermione and Snape to get together, but at the same time the suspense of it all is very exciting!Good job so far... I like this a lot!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
I'm so glad you stuck with it, too, because I really like the pretty stars you leave for me! :-)Thanks so much for the lovely review - I'm so pleased you're enjoying this little tale. The next chapter has been sent for final beta, so I'll be adding it to the queue very soon...
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
I'm so glad you stuck with it, too, because I really like the pretty stars you leave for me! :-)Thanks so much for the lovely review - I'm so pleased you're enjoying this little tale. The next chapter has been sent for final beta, so I'll be adding it to the queue very soon...
Indeed everything is so clear and nothing makes sense. I think Severus would concure with that statement. It was so clear to him that Hermione was interested in the Boston Berk, but nothing of the kind... what she is is interested in him and he cannot fathom that to be possible. Severus' self-image is still as low as it ever could be and he cannot imagine a beautiful, intelligent desirable woman fancying him. I cannot wait to see his reaction to the peck on the cheek she bestowed upon him.
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
What an amazing review - I'm always so pleased when someone "gets" what I was trying to convey so well. :-)Excellent point about Severus's self-image... And I think the fact that Hermione gave him a chance to apologize and refrained from rejecting him completely will have quite an impact on his psyche.Thanks so much for the wonderful review and the lovely stars - I really appreciate it!!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
What an amazing review - I'm always so pleased when someone "gets" what I was trying to convey so well. :-)Excellent point about Severus's self-image... And I think the fact that Hermione gave him a chance to apologize and refrained from rejecting him completely will have quite an impact on his psyche.Thanks so much for the wonderful review and the lovely stars - I really appreciate it!!
This story is so Awesome! Thank you so much for the speedy updates and the wonderful chapters. Their argument at the end of this chapter was spot on. I can just see him trashing the place in a fit of rage. Thanks again and I can't wait to see what happens next!!! Cheers! ~Brena
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Thanks so much, Brena - I'm so glad you liked this chapter. I loved the idea of him trashing the classroom, and the notion that just the sight of her kissing another man could make his control snap at last. Whew... wish it was me! :-)Next chapter has been mailed off for final beta, so I'll be adding it to the queue soon. Thanks again for the lovely review and the gorgeous stars!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Thanks so much, Brena - I'm so glad you liked this chapter. I loved the idea of him trashing the classroom, and the notion that just the sight of her kissing another man could make his control snap at last. Whew... wish it was me! :-)Next chapter has been mailed off for final beta, so I'll be adding it to the queue soon. Thanks again for the lovely review and the gorgeous stars!
This chapter was absolutely brilliant! I loved how Snape reluctantly gave himself away because Hermione caught him in the act, so to speak. And I am very much looking forward to the developments that will follow. I expect to see them circling around each other like Sumo wrestlers, each waiting for the other's first move...
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
LOL - there is indeed a bit of "circling" in the next chapter! Thank you so much for the lovely review and stars. :-)Snape's admission of his logic and reason failing him is one of the most important parts of this chapter, so I'm quite pleased it made an impact...Next chapter has been sent for final beta, so I'll be adding it to the queue soon. Thanks again for reading!!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
LOL - there is indeed a bit of "circling" in the next chapter! Thank you so much for the lovely review and stars. :-)Snape's admission of his logic and reason failing him is one of the most important parts of this chapter, so I'm quite pleased it made an impact...Next chapter has been sent for final beta, so I'll be adding it to the queue soon. Thanks again for reading!!
Wow! I'm glad that Hermione has such a good friend in Draco. She needed a safe place to gather her wits about her.That Severus finally found her in Draco's rooms was a surprise to him, and their conversation that followed allowed, at least, a bit of civility to come back into their relationship. That first conversation after the incident in the dungeon alcove would have been the hardest, and now it is over and ended on a civil note.It'll be interesting to see how they cope with each other now that they both realize how much they are drawn to the other.Great story!!!Beth
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
It was a tough chapter to write, so I'm very pleased to learn it conveyed what I had intended and hoped. Thanks so much for the review!!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
It was a tough chapter to write, so I'm very pleased to learn it conveyed what I had intended and hoped. Thanks so much for the review!!
Don't ya just love when a man gets jelous?I'm very looking forward to the next chapter.Have a great vacation!x
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Vacation was awesome and it's so nice to come back and find lovely reviews!! Thank you so much for the pretty stars and for taking the time to leave a review. The next chapter has been sent for final beta, so I'll be adding it to the queue soon...
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Vacation was awesome and it's so nice to come back and find lovely reviews!! Thank you so much for the pretty stars and for taking the time to leave a review. The next chapter has been sent for final beta, so I'll be adding it to the queue soon...
what a great chapter! i kind of wanted her to slap bertram, but then i saw why she didn't - not enough passion there to even elicit a slap. unlike with snape. i loved how you described snape's massive destruction, just showing us the aftermath both in the classroom and in him. and i loved "both!" "neither!" again showing his inability to completely control himself when it comes to her. i am very much looking forward to the next installment. :D
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Yes, yes, yes... You've summed it up perfectly! She was very angry with Bertram, to be sure, but she doesn't care enough about him to warrant such a violent reaction. I think the slap—while certainly provoked—was just as surprising to Hermione as it was to Snape. This pair is living on the EDGE!!! lolz...Next chapter has been published - I hope you approve!!Thanks very much for the review and lovely stars. :D
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Yes, yes, yes... You've summed it up perfectly! She was very angry with Bertram, to be sure, but she doesn't care enough about him to warrant such a violent reaction. I think the slap—while certainly provoked—was just as surprising to Hermione as it was to Snape. This pair is living on the EDGE!!! lolz...Next chapter has been published - I hope you approve!!Thanks very much for the review and lovely stars. :D
I absolutely adore this story, and have just recently stumbled upon it. The sexual tension and Snape's insecurities are so perfectly weaved in your tale. Great job, and I can't wait for an update!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Wow - thank you so much!! You'll spoil me with your compliments (not that I want you to stop, though). I'm so pleased to learn that you're enjoying the story... My apologies for the delay in responding to this review. But good news: the next chapter has been published!
Thanks again for the lovely review and the shiny stars!!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Wow - thank you so much!! You'll spoil me with your compliments (not that I want you to stop, though). I'm so pleased to learn that you're enjoying the story... My apologies for the delay in responding to this review. But good news: the next chapter has been published!
Thanks again for the lovely review and the shiny stars!!
this was cool
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Why, thank you so much! I appreciate the lovely stars... Next chapter was just published!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Why, thank you so much! I appreciate the lovely stars... Next chapter was just published!
I can't wait to see just how their relationship shifted!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Thanks so much for the review and stars! And you'll definitely get a glimpse of the shift in the next chapter, which, coincidentally, has just been published!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Thanks so much for the review and stars! And you'll definitely get a glimpse of the shift in the next chapter, which, coincidentally, has just been published!
Did anyone else think Bertram might be trying to find out how to make a Horcrux? I thought that was his ulterior motive. But he's just a wolf, i guess. Good chapter, Severus is certainly no hearts-and-flowers type in this fic! Thank you or sharing it with us. happy vacation!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Thanks,
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
! Sorry for the delay in replying to this chapter - I was enjoying my vacation, lol!!!And loads of other people suspected Bertram was up to something supremely evil - a Death Eater wannabe. Making a Horcrux was an awesome theory!!!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Thanks,
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
! Sorry for the delay in replying to this chapter - I was enjoying my vacation, lol!!!And loads of other people suspected Bertram was up to something supremely evil - a Death Eater wannabe. Making a Horcrux was an awesome theory!!!
great chapter. Wow, that was a surprise about the room being all torn apart like a tornado, I knew Severus had a temper and all, but i never gave much thought to him being destructive before, but as a former death eater spy i figure he must have been pretty destructive at times... lol. i hope you know what i meant. I can't wait to read more though and i hope you enjoy your vacation!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Sorry for the delay in responding to this review. I know what you mean about Snape and the destruction... and because he IS such a tightly controlled man, I think the devastation he wrought was that much more surprising. He is obviously having some very severe reactions and responses to her!!Thanks so much for the review... the latest chapter has been added to the queue!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Sorry for the delay in responding to this review. I know what you mean about Snape and the destruction... and because he IS such a tightly controlled man, I think the devastation he wrought was that much more surprising. He is obviously having some very severe reactions and responses to her!!Thanks so much for the review... the latest chapter has been added to the queue!
Very Good!! More please??? 
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Thanks - glad you liked it!! Next chapter has been posted, and another is in the queue!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Thanks - glad you liked it!! Next chapter has been posted, and another is in the queue!
Bertram was extremely lucky he wasn't hexed into next year!I loved Severus' temper tantrum.
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
LOL! Bertram was indeed lucky that Hermione was feeling generous! Glad you liked the tantrum - I love the idea of a powerful man losing control a bit...Next chapter is posted and the following one is in the queue!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
LOL! Bertram was indeed lucky that Hermione was feeling generous! Glad you liked the tantrum - I love the idea of a powerful man losing control a bit...Next chapter is posted and the following one is in the queue!
I meant to review before this but was too wrapped up in the story. One thing I want to say right off the bat is while I enjoy the HS ship stories, I sometimes have to giggle about the way the age issue is addressed. I admire the way you have managed to handle this problem, what with Severus' having slept away the years without aging, giving Hermione a chance to catch up with him. Love Draco and Luna together and the rest of your characterizations are wonderful as well. As for Bertram, how horrifyingly, obliviously manipulative of him to use her past memories in an attempt to get closer. And Severus. Well, even though his behavior was appalling last chapter, his remorse and display of frustration this chapter just makes us all want to hug him to our bosoms with a big "there, there".See, you have me talking about all of these characters like they were real human beings - sign of a well written story, that is!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
I apologize for being so horribly late in responding to your lovely review... vacation brain and real-life have been conspiring against me! Thank you so much for your amazing compliments. I'm so pleased to learn that you've been enjoying the story.Glad to see you like Draco and Luna together: you'll get to see a bit more of them at the Christmas Eve ball (coming up soon). Lots of secrets will soon be revealed... hope you like the upcoming chapters!!Thanks again for the review and stars - I really appreciate it!!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
I apologize for being so horribly late in responding to your lovely review... vacation brain and real-life have been conspiring against me! Thank you so much for your amazing compliments. I'm so pleased to learn that you've been enjoying the story.Glad to see you like Draco and Luna together: you'll get to see a bit more of them at the Christmas Eve ball (coming up soon). Lots of secrets will soon be revealed... hope you like the upcoming chapters!!Thanks again for the review and stars - I really appreciate it!!
She should have hexed Bertram into next week.
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
LOL, probably so. But maybe it's a good thing she saved her energy so she could slap Snape around. :-)Thanks for the reviews and stars - my apologies for the delay in responding. Next chapter has been published!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
LOL, probably so. But maybe it's a good thing she saved her energy so she could slap Snape around. :-)Thanks for the reviews and stars - my apologies for the delay in responding. Next chapter has been published!
I am seriously still at a loss for words over how amazing this story is. Seriously, I love it. I love your characterizations, the slowly building tension between them, the overarching theme of mystery and suspense. Amazing! This chapter, as always, was wonderful. Oh, and Bertram with a Baaahston accent? Love it. I live around the Boston area, and I can appreciate Hermione's reaction, lol. I look forward to more. Have a wonderful time on your vacation!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Thanks so much! Sorry for the delay in replying to this review - vacation brain got the better of me! Not that that's any excuse because your review was so full of wonderful remarks and compliments that I've been basking in it and really should have responded sooner!Is it dreadful that I gave Bertram a Boston accent? I suppose any American accent would have worked: I don't know why Boston popped into my head when I thought 'jarring'. LOL!:-)Thanks again for the lovely review!!!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Thanks so much! Sorry for the delay in replying to this review - vacation brain got the better of me! Not that that's any excuse because your review was so full of wonderful remarks and compliments that I've been basking in it and really should have responded sooner!Is it dreadful that I gave Bertram a Boston accent? I suppose any American accent would have worked: I don't know why Boston popped into my head when I thought 'jarring'. LOL!:-)Thanks again for the lovely review!!!
Such a good chapter! That weasel Bertram, I didn't trust him from the first. I thought he was some kind of death eater wannabe, but no, he is a snot-nosed rodent, instead. I loved that Severus tore apart the classroom and Hermione got to see the destruction and know that she was the cause of his frustration. He has strong feelings for her, and now she knows it. I can't wait to read what happens next. (I think Severus should kick Bertram's ass!)
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
A snot-nosed rodent indeed - great summation of Bertram!! LOL...My apologies for the delay in responding to this review... real life was conspiring against me, but I really do appreciate the feedback!! I'm glad you liked the destruction and devastation that Snape generated... I love the idea of a powerful man losing control a bit.Thanks again for the review!! The latest chapter has been added to the queue!
Response from nastygrl (Reviewer)
I'll definitely be on the lookout for the next chapter. BTW, I have a story in queue, too!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
A snot-nosed rodent indeed - great summation of Bertram!! LOL...My apologies for the delay in responding to this review... real life was conspiring against me, but I really do appreciate the feedback!! I'm glad you liked the destruction and devastation that Snape generated... I love the idea of a powerful man losing control a bit.Thanks again for the review!! The latest chapter has been added to the queue!
Response from nastygrl (Reviewer)
I'll definitely be on the lookout for the next chapter. BTW, I have a story in queue, too!
Nice, taut chapter. You can cut the tension with a knife. Enjoy your vacation.
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Thank you so much - vacation was awesome! Unfortunately, it resulted in quite a few unanswered reviews, for which I apologize. I really appreciate your feedback... thanks again for the review and stars!!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
Thank you so much - vacation was awesome! Unfortunately, it resulted in quite a few unanswered reviews, for which I apologize. I really appreciate your feedback... thanks again for the review and stars!!
Go hermione! whoot!!
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
LOL!! Glad you liked that...Next chapter has been posted and the subsequent chapter is in the queue!
Thanks so much for the review! :-)
Response from HogwartsClassof91 (Author of A Murder of Crows)
LOL!! Glad you liked that...Next chapter has been posted and the subsequent chapter is in the queue!
Thanks so much for the review! :-)