Crumbs for Severus
Chapter 1 of 1
LariopeThe war has ended, and Hermione is grieving. But someone she does not recognize shares her breakfast and her sorrow.
There had been only brief moments of humanity: the unnatural stretching of wings as they parted and spread, bleeding into fingertips, shoulders. He would never be able to accurately describe what it felt like to absorb the beak, to feel his gullet lengthen. He did not do it often.
The raven was safety; it was freedom; it was flight, at long last, from the war and all the trappings of his role therein. He wore his feathers like robes of shining, rippling silk, and when he slept, head tucked beneath wing, he dreamed simple dreams--long expanses of blue, the sharp crack of a seed against cartilage, the calming warmth of absorbed sunlight.
He should leave, he knew; make for warmer climes, perhaps, or simply a place so remote that he could shed this form permanently. Hunger gnawed at the edges of his mind--hunger for something beyond the subsistence of seeds--a steak, something thick and yielding, something he could chew and remind himself what it had felt like to be a man.
But he could not leave, and instead, he beat his wings against the air, feeling the mysterious lift and pull of the wind, until he landed on the back balcony of a studio flat in Hogsmeade, where he would stretch and sort his feathers, standing in a window box of ragged petunias.
It was an odd place, an almost lonely place, despite the cheerful bobbing of the flower heads, but Snape was drawn there by something so fundamental that he could not name it--something that made him think of migration, long flights across the oceans, ancestral homes.
Soon she would open the window and set upon the sill a simple piece of white china that held her morning crumpet. She ate absentmindedly, paying little mind to the bright black eyes fixed upon her, for they were as companionable and common as the sunlight. So bird and girl would breakfast together; she on the muffin and he on the crumbs she gently scraped into the window box as an offering. Her eyes roamed endlessly over the streets of Hogsmeade as if she could never stop searching, though he did not know what she sought.
Sometimes she cried; sometimes she stood beside the window and rhythmically combed her long, curly hair, leaving a tidy ball of strands from which he could build a nest. Sometimes she simply stood and stared for hours, over the building tops, at the rickety remains of the Shrieking Shack. She always moved slowly, so as not to startle him, and he stood beside her silently, ruffling his feathers occasionally as if to remind her of his presence, accepting her gifts.
The day would come when she would cease her vigil, when she would dine alone in the kitchen or with a human companion. In time, the veil of grief would lift from her eyes like a thin, transparent lid, and she would leave him. Then, perhaps. But until then, he would wait.
100x 5
My first drabble, written on the plane home from Portus, from a quote by OpalJade: "Crumbs for Severus."
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Latest 25 Reviews for Crumbs for Severus
31 Reviews | 7.06/10 Average
I love the idea of Severus as a Raven, it just seems so appropriate. As much as I hate to disagree with Severus, I have the feeling that Hermione will never cease to grieve.
Beautiful!
the very black and very clever raven.so sorry that he can not show himself. but if he must leave he must. It is kind of him to look after her as long as necessary, as long as she griefes.But he says he doesn't know what she is looking for.well, the good is ever so near.her life-routine reads as if she were stunned. That is what it must feel like when you suffer from a loss, or anything tragic.
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
What a beautiful response,
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
. Thank you so much. xoxo
Wow! Amazing! It is a very beautiful fic.I am starting to read Second Life now, and I am certain I will love it!
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
! I'm glad you liked it. And I hope you like Second Life! xoxo
::wibbles:: Lovely and aching.
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you so much,
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
. xoxo
Curious and very good. I liked it. The conflicted Severus is still haunting...
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you, dyno!!
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you, dyno!!
I almost missed this one. A nice surprise for sure. Very pretty drabble. Bird!Snape is an interesting concept.
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you! I'm glad you liked him.
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you! I'm glad you liked him.
lovely and poignant if a bit melancholy. you wrote beautifully about transfiguring between bird and human form, and about the simplicity of life as a bird. i could see how it could be a relief for him after all the complicated drama and intrigue that consumed his life. and i was also curious about all the implied questions that remain unanswered about both of them, really.
it also reminded me that once i was having a sort of metaphysical discussion with a friend and this pigeon sat there on the ledge for the entire conversation, watching with what seemed like a really intelligent expression for a pigeon, and then when we were done talking, it flew away. it was so strange. anyway, your story made me think about that bird.
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you, Kittylefish. I agree that it is melancholy. I seem to have a problem with turning things all angsty. Perhaps your pidgeon was an animagus!
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you, Kittylefish. I agree that it is melancholy. I seem to have a problem with turning things all angsty. Perhaps your pidgeon was an animagus!
This is one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful things I've read. Thank you for creating it.
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Oh, my goodness! Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
! What a lovely thing to say.
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Oh, my goodness! Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
! What a lovely thing to say.
Very Lovely!
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you!
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you!
Ahh sneaky girl you did not tell me of this little snippet. I have a feeling this could be much more of a drabble. You could definately expand it. Does she find someone else? Is she mourning for him? Will she ever know it is he? Or does she already? So many unanswered questions but, lovely all the same.Irish
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
I did so tell you!!! :) Thank you for reading and reviewing it, Irish, my dear. And as for expanding... I don't know. These things tend to run away with me. *snerk*
Response from irishredlass (Reviewer)
And the problem with it running away with you? I see no problem only pleasurable reading for all of us.And no you didn't !!:(
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
I did so tell you!!! :) Thank you for reading and reviewing it, Irish, my dear. And as for expanding... I don't know. These things tend to run away with me. *snerk*
Response from irishredlass (Reviewer)
And the problem with it running away with you? I see no problem only pleasurable reading for all of us.And no you didn't !!:(
So lyrical and beautiful. If words were like sliver this would be the fine filigeree of a Goblin-worked tiara.Any reason for the ragged petunias? Does he poke at them with his beak?(He he) I love how Hermione's discards become precious, useful and I suppose a physical comfort to him. It is also a brilliant allegory of his life in some ways as he had to get by on what he could scavenge/crumb from the situation, also gaining crumbs of affection from Lily - yet never Lily's full love.Waiting for what? Waiting for her to leave him like the others? Waiting for her to finish grieving so that he can leave and fly away to other climes?Thanks again for a beautiful story.Cheers.
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
OMG, reets, your review was like a gorgeous drabble all its own. Thank you so much.
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
OMG, reets, your review was like a gorgeous drabble all its own. Thank you so much.
Holy sadness! There will be more fun in the world for you post portus I promise. Allteration anyone? This drabble is just heartbreaking. I wonder if Hermione knows?
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
I don't think she does. I'm sorry your smiley needs help! I feel terrible. :)I swear that this was not a reaction to post Portus sadness!
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
I don't think she does. I'm sorry your smiley needs help! I feel terrible. :)I swear that this was not a reaction to post Portus sadness!
Maybe you should take the plane more often. That is incredibly beautiful
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it, Snitchette!
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it, Snitchette!
Aw, this is lovely - but sad. He should transform in her bedroom!!!
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Bwhahahaha.... just what we've all hoped for. Come in, little birdy, and see my room! :)Thank you for reviewing,
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
! (and hello! I was really glad to meet you at Portus.)
Response from beaweasley2 (Reviewer)
and wonderful to meet you too! I look forward to a day when I can sit down and read your other one!
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Bwhahahaha.... just what we've all hoped for. Come in, little birdy, and see my room! :)Thank you for reviewing,
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
! (and hello! I was really glad to meet you at Portus.)
Response from beaweasley2 (Reviewer)
and wonderful to meet you too! I look forward to a day when I can sit down and read your other one!
Awww, how beautifully sad...
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you. :)
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you. :)
Your imagery is superb, Lariope. The description of Severus as he reverts to human form is perfect. I could feel MY fingers form from feathers, feel MY shoulders accommodate arms.
His need to be close to Hermione drew him like a primal need to go where comfort is to be found. He takes joy in the bits of her hair left among the flowers in the box on the window sill — he will build a home of these treasures she leaves for him. He will take sustenance from the leftover crumbs of the muffin she has had as her morning sustenance.He will wait for her until she no longer comes. And she will never know it is he.
This is so beautifully written! Well done!
Beth
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you so much, Beth. I'm so glad you saw those things despite the relatively few words. I'm really touched. I wish I had better words to thank you with. xoxox
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you so much, Beth. I'm so glad you saw those things despite the relatively few words. I'm really touched. I wish I had better words to thank you with. xoxox
Anonymous
If possible, I love this even more now than I did before. Everyone remarks on the sadness of it, but you know, I didn't see that the first time I read it or even now. It's not exactly hopeful; more like, that period of time when you are in your grief and accepting of it because you know that someday it will end. And you just go on. Because something else will come along.
And he doesn't seem saddened by this prospect. He just offers companionship and is the lone watcher to her vigil, the one who marks it. It's a very companionable piece.
I see him recognizing the day he will no longer have to watch, and with a tip of his beak, he will fly off. No regret. No remorse. And life goes on.
Next time I see a raven, I'll take a second to give it a good hard look...
Author's Response: Thank you, Lulabelle. I'm glad that you see it as companionable. And I'm still so glad that you liked it.
I think the missed connection is the sadness people feel, but the connection is there, just not what we maybe thought it would be. A different kind of companionship.
xoxox
That was so sad.
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
It's true. I don't know why everything always turns so tragic in my hands. Thank you for reviewing!
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
It's true. I don't know why everything always turns so tragic in my hands. Thank you for reviewing!
Beautiful. I'd be curious to know if Hermione ever finds out exactly who that raven is ...
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you! I don't know if I would like to speculate on that. Once I said something, it would seem like the answer, and I think there is no answer. ;) Thank you so much for reviewing! I really appreciate it.
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you! I don't know if I would like to speculate on that. Once I said something, it would seem like the answer, and I think there is no answer. ;) Thank you so much for reviewing! I really appreciate it.
at least you gave him crumbs! jkr didn't even give him those. lovely and touching. thanks so much
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
That's exactly where the quote came from!! Saying that JKR didn't leave him anything. OpalJade, Shellsnapeluver, Lulabelle72 and I were up way too late, yelling about the books, and somehow the phrase "Crumbs for Severus," though meant in earnest, became very funny, and I swore I'd write a drabble with the title. Then everything went all sad...I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for reviewing!
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
That's exactly where the quote came from!! Saying that JKR didn't leave him anything. OpalJade, Shellsnapeluver, Lulabelle72 and I were up way too late, yelling about the books, and somehow the phrase "Crumbs for Severus," though meant in earnest, became very funny, and I swore I'd write a drabble with the title. Then everything went all sad...I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for reviewing!
Oh my goodness Lariope, I can't tell you how much this story means to me! I'm laughing and crying at the same time. I still can't believe you wrote such a beautiful story from my 3AM summary of the DH epilogue!
You are truly amazing my friend!
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
It's your quote, silly! You're the amazing one. *hugs*
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
It's your quote, silly! You're the amazing one. *hugs*
I say as Kiriaofdelphi, it would be wonderfull if you would continue the story. It is beatiful, poetic and sad
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
It was my first drabble (and all my friends joked that I couldn't write anything but epics, so it would be kind of funny if I continued it, wouldn't it?) But I'm glad you're interested. I'll keep it on the back-burner. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
It was my first drabble (and all my friends joked that I couldn't write anything but epics, so it would be kind of funny if I continued it, wouldn't it?) But I'm glad you're interested. I'll keep it on the back-burner. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!
Please, please expand this into a story! It is completely heartrendingly beautiful. Please!
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you so much,
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
! I'm so, so happy that you enjoyed it. I'll keep it on the backburner and see if anything emerges. :)
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
Thank you so much,
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
! I'm so, so happy that you enjoyed it. I'll keep it on the backburner and see if anything emerges. :)
There were more questions than answers in that one, but it was beautifully written, nonetheless.
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
It's true, and I think that's why I haven't tried drabbles before--my brain wants to explore everything. But thank you, and thank you for reviewing.
Response from Lariope (Author of Crumbs for Severus)
It's true, and I think that's why I haven't tried drabbles before--my brain wants to explore everything. But thank you, and thank you for reviewing.