Gravity
Chapter 2 of 16
MelenkaWeighty matters must be taken into consideration.
A/N: Many thanks to the conspiracy of ladies who requested that I tell them a bedtime story.
NOTE: This particular AU takes place after HBP and ignores entirely DH.Thanks to MollysSister for reminding me to clarify.
Sirius lay on the bed, staring into the darkness, paralyzed by fear. Hermione would bring a light, and he would let her. The mirror bolted to the wall would show him what he could not bear to see, even in dim reflection.
He was dead, but they had refused to let him be. Thrust out of the first sanctuary he had known since leaving school, he had woken to near-blinding light. He had screamed until they'd covered the windows, but even then the pain was nauseating. They kept him for as long as they could, allowing only enough light to tend him. It had taken hours to recover from every visit. They had moved him here on a moonless night, the two who had been sent to receive him. He might never forgive them for seeing what he had become.
They were all afraid of him. No one knew why he had been sent back. He preferred to think of it as having been rejected, and as he refused to speak, he was allowed to believe his version of things. Of all his friends, Lupin had tried the longest to engage him, but even he had given up. And now they were all gone and he was alone.
Except for her. Others had brought him food, retreating after leaving it. Perhaps they'd felt guilty for serving him swill. Hermione set the dishes where instructed, but each time she stayed a bit longer. She told him little things about her day, vague mentions of research and observations. Sometimes, she relayed the latest bits of information from The Daily Prophet. Better were her dramatic interpretations of articles from The Quibbler. He had learned to laugh, however quietly.
Hermione leaned against the wall, breathing hard. The heavy wooden screen had proven impervious to magical attempts to move it. Her first impulse had been to study it, possibly unravel the spell, or at least determine how it had been done. Unfortunately, it was the only screen in the entire bloody house, so she had hauled it out of the basement, cleaned it off, and wrestled it to the top floor. Severus had remained locked in his room. She would have to remember to kick him later.
"Accio lamp." She flicked her wand and held out her hand. Sirius had agreed to a candle, but she thought he would prefer something adjustable. She set the lamp down, then knocked softly on the door. When he did not send her away, she pushed it open.
She hauled the three-part screen into the room, stepping carefully in the darkness. Placing it at what she assumed to be half-way into the room should work. She would have to guess at the proper angle to hide the corner. She could always adjust it later. Or he could, if he had been honest about his strength. She suspected he was bluffing. Men did that to save face.
I've done. She stomped on the thought. She was not going to dwell on those few weeks at home. Bloody American prat. She wanted to scream. If she took the memory out of her head, she would never have to remember being a total fool. Does a Pensieve work that way? She would have to ask. She rejected the notion instantly. The only person she could ask would be Snape, and that conversation need never happen.
In her distraction, her hand slipped from the screen. She grabbed it, wrenching backwards. She lost her balance, let go, and fell to the floor, the breath rushing out of her. The pain in her back was astounding. She waited for the screen to crush her.
The sound of wood scraping across the floor made her realize she was not going to suffer further injury. He had not been bluffing.
"Sirius?"
"I'm here."
She tried to sit up, but fell back with a moan. Tears ran into her hair. Fabulous. At least no one could see her like this. That was something.
"Are you hurt?" Sirius was walking slowly to where she lay.
Dogs don't see well in the dark. She laughed at the thought, sending another spasm of pain up her spine.
"What have you done?" He whispered, his voice a balm.
Then he was beside her, strong hands running over her legs, her arms, her ribs. He slid his hands under her neck, fingers probing for injury. She sighed as some of the pain receded.
"I've hurt my back," she whimpered.
"Can you move your arms and legs?"
She nodded, then realized he could not see her. "Yes, I think so."
"Good." He rolled her onto her side and slid his fingers along her spine. When he probed the muscles, she cried out.
"Nothing is broken, but you have a nasty strain. You'll be able to move sooner if you let me put you on the bed."
When she did not protest, he lifted her, cradling her to his chest. She gritted her teeth against the pain and let her head fall on his shoulder, his smooth skin warm against her cheek. The ends of his hair tickled her forehead. He smelled of morning and heather.
"Mmmm, nice," she mumbled.
"You must have knocked your head." His gentle laugh rumbled against her.
He laid her on the bed, apparently better able to see than she had thought. Or maybe weeks in this room had made him comfortable in the dark. She welcomed the soft mattress and his presence beside her. He brushed the hair from her face, gently stroking the curve of her jaw. Her heartbeat quickened.
"Do you..." She swallowed. "Do you know a spell to relieve the pain?"
"I came back without a wand, Hermione, and there's not been occasion to find a new one." His laugh was bitter.
"You can use mine if it will help," she offered.
"That may not be the best idea. I would hate to ruin it. I've not tried to use magic yet. I'm not certain it would work."
"Surely you're not..." She could not finish.
"A Muggle? No, I don't think that's possible. Once a wizard, always a wizard, if only in name. It hardly matters, as it does not seem I will be leaving this room for some time. It would be ironic, don't you think, if the great name of Black faded to obscurity, the last scion a despised Muggle?"
She bristled. "There are worse things than being a Muggle."
"Yes, and a good number of them have happened to me. I rather suspect I would enjoy living a Muggle life. Perhaps in America where I would never be recognized."
"America is overrated."
"But so very interesting. I could get lost there."
"You are lost here," she said softly.
"I know exactly where I am, Hermione. I just don't know what I am."
"You're a man, Sirius. Muggle or Wizard, you're still a man."
"What I am is wrong," he snarled, getting up. "Shall I show you? The sight has made stronger than you flinch." His voice drifted across the room.
The scuff of metal across wood told her he had picked up the lamp. Had she blinked, she would have missed the small spark in the middle of the room. The plink of wood on wood was unmistakable. He had dropped something. He cursed in the darkness. He set down the lamp on what she assumed was a table by the bed. Then he placed her wand on her chest.
"Do you dare light it?"
"Why shouldn't I?"
"In the dark, you can remember me as I was. All that will change once you bring the light."
"What you look like has no bearing on our friendship," she huffed. "Cover your eyes."
She gave him a moment, stealing another one to steady herself. If she was to help him, she could not react badly to whatever would be revealed.
"Lumos," she whispered, having determined that the strength of the spell adjusted according to the volume at which it was spoken. A faint blue light shone at the tip of her wand. She spotted the lamp. Knowing where things were before she flung fire around a room seemed best. She took a deep breath and turned to regard him.
He stood with his back to the screen, his arm over his eyes. The small amount of light would cause only a little pain. Her reaction was likely to cause more. He stayed perfectly still, waiting for the gasp. It took but a moment.
"My god, Sirius." She could not hide her horror. He had not expected her to.
His trip through the veil had stripped him of everything. He had emerged, pale, skeletal and bald, every nerve rubbed raw. The feel of fabric on his chest still made his skin crawl. He had learned to walk, and eventually to talk, though he had not done so until Hermione showed up. He'd had nothing to say to the comforting words that leaked sadness, even less to the apologies reeking of discomfort, offered by the few friends he had left. She had not asked him to respond.
Perhaps the Fates had given him an aversion to light to spare others the sight of him. The only part of him that had returned whole had been the memories. They must have thought it a comfort. They did not know they had consigned him to hell. He would not share it. Until now.
"You're beautiful," she whispered.
He flinched. She really had hit her head.
"A poor joke, Hermione. You should leave them to the Weasleys."
"You don't know, do you? You haven't seen yourself since "
He cut her off. "Since I became a monster? I know all too well how I look." The image of himself in the infirmary mirror would never leave him. He should not have inflicted it on her.
She stared at him in wonder. Every scar had been erased, leaving behind only smooth, pale skin, tinted blue in the light from her wand. She adjusted the color. Even in the soft yellow glow, he was whiter than Snape, a thing she'd not thought possible. It would take some getting used to.
He was leaner than he had been when last she'd seen him, a bit narrower in the waist. She lifted her eyes. His bare stomach was distracting. His broad chest was no less so.
"Sirius, look in the mirror."
"Do you hate me?" he ground out. "I had thought we were friends. Allies, at least."
"As a favor for a friend, then. Please." She held her breath, willing him to comply.
He lowered his arm, showing her his face for the first time. The beauty of youth stared at her with ancient eyes accusing. He looked as he did in the pictures from Harry's album, the ones where he had been laughing with James and Lily. Dark curls brushed his shoulders. Tears ran down her cheeks.
"You ask much of our friendship," he said, walking slowly toward the mirror.
She pushed herself into a sitting position, back against the pillows, biting down on the pain. She needed to see this, to bear witness to his discovery. If it meant an extra day in bed, it would be worth it.
He had kept his head down as he crossed the room, his shoulders hunched. She wondered what he expected to see. She would never ask. His willingness to grant her this boon was more than she had hoped for, far more than she deserved.
He stopped in front of the mirror and took a deep breath. When he looked up, his entire body went rigid. He stayed that way as the moments stretched out. She clutched the comforter, wanting badly to go to him, knowing she couldn't.
"This is a trick." His voice broke. "What do you see when you look at me?" he demanded, his gaze riveted on the mirror.
"A man," she replied. A bloody god. That would not help him.
"This is not " he choked on the words.
"I don't know what happened to you when you came across the veil, and you don't have to tell me." She let herself slide down on the bed, the pain fading as she lay still. "I would have seen a man no matter what, Sirius."
"Light the lamp."
She obeyed, waiting for him to cry out. She had been told he could not bear the light. He recoiled from the flare, then reached out to lower the flame. The spell had been clumsy. She set her wand on the table and closed her eyes.
His kiss was gentle, the bare brush of his lips on hers. Her eyes flew open, locking on his as he pulled away. She reached out a hand, stroking his cheek. He froze. Her fingers trailed down his neck, coming to rest on his shoulder. Breath shaky, she pulled him down, and he let her.
"Surely a man in his prime can do better than that," she murmured.
He threaded his fingers through her hair and kissed her again, lingering. She sighed. He must still think her a child. His third kiss gave that notion the lie. He growled softly, nipping at her lip then flicking his tongue over the bite. One knee on the bed, he pressed her back, possessing her mouth.
"Be careful what you wish for, Hermione," he breathed in her ear. His fingers traced her collarbone, then dipped into her cleavage, barely brushing the curve of her breasts. She thought her heart would beat right out of her chest. He took his hand away.
"Sirius," she rasped. She had no idea what she'd meant to say after that. He kissed her neck as he trailed his hand over her breasts, the thin shirt no barrier to sensation.
"What shall we do now, we broken two?" he said, fingers tracing circles on her stomach, sliding just under the waistband of her jeans. She arched and cried out at the resulting pain.
"What you will do is take your hands off her." Snape's voice rang across the room.
"I don't recall inviting you in, Severus." He did not turn his head. His gaze held her motionless as he slid his hand down her thigh.
"I said get your hands off her."
"I heard you. I'm ignoring you. It's worked well for me in the past." Despite his calm words, he vibrated with tension.
"This is my last warning, Black."
Hermione let her eyes drift to Snape. His wand was raised in barely controlled fury. She blushed. She was well and truly caught. Bastard. She pushed Sirius aside and grabbed her wand, leveling it at her old professor.
"And this is my first. He is unarmed, Severus." The use of his given name brought him up short. "Now back down."
"Not until he lets you up."
"Don't be a fool. He's not keeping me here. I can't move. I injured my back dragging that blasted screen up three flights of stairs." Her reproach was clear.
"And I suppose he's checking your... body... for injuries?" His scorn snaked across the room, wrapping around her throat, choking her.
"Aside from a strained muscle in her back, there's not a thing wrong with her body," Sirius said. She was glad his wicked smile was hidden from Snape.
"If you are incapable of releasing her, then at least bring her downstairs so I can tend to her." Snape glared at both of them. "Unless you lack the strength?" The challenge was unmistakable.
Sirius slid his hands under her. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he lifted her from the bed and turned to face Snape.
"As I told Hermione earlier, I am quite strong. For her sake, I will bring her to the library. You understand if I prefer that you go first."
Snape hissed, turned on his heel and stormed from the room.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Just a Little Bit
214 Reviews | 6.9/10 Average
Wow, what a tale. I have to admit, i stumbled onto this merely by accident and was swarn through each chapter like moth caught in the light of a candle. Some of it was too confusing, but the story itself held me. I truly think that Sirius had an unwordly understanding, insight that came from living twice. It's odd. this feels like an ending - but yet also like a beginning. I carve more and yet can see in my mind that Harry wins, Severus and Hermione unite, forever a couple. Thank you for this story and the imagery. I did enjoy it very much.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thank you so much for reading the story! It was confusing, but physics (and love) is often like that. Sirius did, at the last, prove his love - mostly by letting it go. If you want a wee bit of epilogue (and hope for the happy ending), you might read "Death Shall Have No Dominion", as it explains how Snape did, in fact, survive after the snake bite. :)
She sure bounced from one bed to another. I still feel that Severus recieved far more from her than Sirius did. Severus reached out in need and desire to fill her need, not to jsut use her. There is a beauty to his way, and I hope they don't trun away from this beginning.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Well, considering the strength of personality of both rather amazing men, I'm not surprised she took what was offered, and pushed for more. She does love them both, albeit differently. Severus stood aside for Sirius, and sent him to her, because she needed a summer fling that didn't leave her bitter. He plans for the long term, however unlikely he feels that may be. In his own way, he used Sirius to free Hermione so she might be able to accept him, and Sirius was fully aware of his part in that. His motives may have been good, but it was still a calculating thing to do. Doesn't change how much he loves her, protest though he might.
The spell, how it was cast, was beautiful and alarming. The tie shifting to Severus - I expected her to rage and fume over the interferance. I'm still unsure what exactly the spell did or is, BUt now she's done it can you every undo or go back as if it wasn't completed. It's in her and part of her. SHe'll remember. Even Severus might.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Oh, they will all remember. With any luck, no one will ever find out what she just did. It was meant to hide Sirius, to free him, and it did that. She tacked on the location spell as a way to ensure she could find him. Quite obviously, the men thought this a bad idea, and used her own theory to circumvent that part of the spell. Severus can find Sirius, which may be necessary if Sirius gets out of control. They think themselves clever. Silly men.Thank you for another delightful review!
What is this spell she is tryiing to do? I don't get that part.I don' t know how I think about the way Sirius is using her. The way he stalks her. I think Severus is the better wizard in this one.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
The spell will be explained, I promise. It is very, very complex and she can't reveal what she hopes to do with it until the time is right.I don't think Sirius is stalking her. She came to him, after all, and made her decision of her own free will. What happened after that surprised him as much as her - hence, his apology. Inasmuch as he is capable of it, he does love her. Otherwise, he wouldn't have worried about transfiguring her clothes or dispensing with his mother's portrait. Considering that he has become a magical being unlike any that has existed to this point, he's still feeling his way around what he can, or should, do. It's why he knows he has to leave and not take her with him. He's too dangerous to be around for long.As for Severus, he has his own agenda, which will become more clear as the story progresses. While he, too, loves her, he is no more free to pursue a relationship with her than Sirius is. They are each stuck with the hand they've been dealt. The only thing to do is try to alter it - just a little bit. ;)
his discovery in the mirror was interesting. His taking advantage of her intriguing, especially since she let him, even encouraged him.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thank you for the thoughtful review and the shinies.I don't know if he took advantage of her so much as acted on a desire that came from having someone treat him as human after so long. The fact that she reacted to their physical closeness when he picked her up in the dark would not have escaped him, though he'd dismissed it. She was the one who pressed for more (and who could blame her, with his beauty returned?) and responded with open desire. Still, there was something cruel in his using her to upset Severus. Some habits die hard, I guess.
So she broke Severus down (a little) and got him to open up to her. I loved the tension you built into this chapter.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thank you! I don't know who was more broken by the end of that, but I doubt either would complain! :)
I like the dichotomy of the gifts - Severus actually did something to protect her little mouse while Sirius left her with a keepsake of their time spent together. Says quite a bit about their personalities.Wordsmithing is an artform, so I was glad that Hermione was tickled during her conversation with Arthur. If she was previously incapable of telling a believeable lie, it was only because she hadn't learned to lie with the truth. A carefully delivered truth is always the best lie. Severus gave her another useful gift with that lesson.I have to agree with Ginny, the tat is cool. I really like the graphic of it in the last chapter.Finally, speaking of wordsmithing, I REALLY like the way you've incorporated the title within the dialogue of the characters. Each significant change, be it the spell or the interaction of the characters themselves, was done in the name of caring, protection, and ultimately - love. A little bit of each.Thank you for a wonderful tale, a missing moment of vast proportions, if you will.~
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thank you so much! You are very kind. Hermione's interaction with Arthur was more fun to write than I'd expected it to be. I think she learned a great deal from both of her housemates. You are right that they all acted out of love, albeit different sorts.I am glad you enjoyed the story.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thank you so much! You are very kind. Hermione's interaction with Arthur was more fun to write than I'd expected it to be. I think she learned a great deal from both of her housemates. You are right that they all acted out of love, albeit different sorts.I am glad you enjoyed the story.
I finally managed to read the last chap. It's somewhat anticlimatic for me. Do you consider a short sequel, giving us your version about the impact of the chaos-spell to the outcome of the war? You see I like to have it spelled out to me. Though I'm not really against open endings, they help to improve the imagination. Thanks a lot for this highly creative story.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thanks for the review and for reading through the whole thing. I know it was a bit convoluted. I purposely made the end of the story fit into DH. Since Harry was, ultimately, able to defeat Voldemort, the spell didn't come into play. That does leave it open, as Hermione still has it on her ankle and Sirius is still loose in the world. If I was to write a sequel, I think it would be a romp across the globe, with Sirius getting ever stronger and Severus having to chase him down. I don't think I'm ready to do that yet. But I appreciate the encouragement!
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thanks for the review and for reading through the whole thing. I know it was a bit convoluted. I purposely made the end of the story fit into DH. Since Harry was, ultimately, able to defeat Voldemort, the spell didn't come into play. That does leave it open, as Hermione still has it on her ankle and Sirius is still loose in the world. If I was to write a sequel, I think it would be a romp across the globe, with Sirius getting ever stronger and Severus having to chase him down. I don't think I'm ready to do that yet. But I appreciate the encouragement!
I feel like I am out of breath, I've just caught up with this story. I don't know why I waited so long to start it, this is fantastic. I do have to ask if you could clarify for me how Hermione feels about Sirius if she loves Severus (and apparently has for sometime) why was she so distruaght with what Sirius did? It seemed a bit overly emotional for just a friends with benefits relationship, and add seducing and telling Severus she loves him perhaps not less than a few hours later? Is it because she is so sensitive to his magic? I may have missed something in reading so quickly, so if you could help my poor feeble brain comprehend I would greatly appreciate it.I look forward to your next update!
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thanks! I'm glad you decided to give it a try.Hermione loves both men, but very differently. She was upset with Sirius for taking her ability to find him, not because she is in love with him but because she thinks he needs her. (Okay, also because he's way hot, but she recently figured out that's not enough to make her happy.) She has proven she is a safe vessel for the overflow of his magic. The early morning tryst was an attempt to help him figure out how to control the magic, which was somewhat successful, but she worries he won't always be able to do that (control it, that is). Obviously, he's worried about that, too, but neither he nor Snape will tell her about their contingency plan if it turns out Sirius is unable to stabilize.Considering that she started out with a very secret schoolgirl crush on her professor, it's not surprising that her feelings for Severus run a little deeper. She told him she loves him because she does. She figured that she might not ever get the chance to be with him again, so seducing him (in her sweet and slightly inept way) seemed the thing to do.
Response from Isode (Reviewer)
Thanks for the clarification. I really did read this quickly, getting time on the computer in my house has become difficult lately and my only options are to read before heading to work or really late at night.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thanks! I'm glad you decided to give it a try.Hermione loves both men, but very differently. She was upset with Sirius for taking her ability to find him, not because she is in love with him but because she thinks he needs her. (Okay, also because he's way hot, but she recently figured out that's not enough to make her happy.) She has proven she is a safe vessel for the overflow of his magic. The early morning tryst was an attempt to help him figure out how to control the magic, which was somewhat successful, but she worries he won't always be able to do that (control it, that is). Obviously, he's worried about that, too, but neither he nor Snape will tell her about their contingency plan if it turns out Sirius is unable to stabilize.Considering that she started out with a very secret schoolgirl crush on her professor, it's not surprising that her feelings for Severus run a little deeper. She told him she loves him because she does. She figured that she might not ever get the chance to be with him again, so seducing him (in her sweet and slightly inept way) seemed the thing to do.
Response from Isode (Reviewer)
Thanks for the clarification. I really did read this quickly, getting time on the computer in my house has become difficult lately and my only options are to read before heading to work or really late at night.
How does he feel about her? Does she know? Are they going to risk being back at Hogwarts?
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
I don't know that he'll tell her how he feels about her, but she does hope that he'll get around to it. As for the risks, neither of them is in a good place to be taking them, so I suppose it depends on who ends up where.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
I don't know that he'll tell her how he feels about her, but she does hope that he'll get around to it. As for the risks, neither of them is in a good place to be taking them, so I suppose it depends on who ends up where.
Oh, that was mean of you. You supply them with a new quandary, which definitively shut down the sulks from his grumpiness and places Hermione at a higher level of danger - one that was supposed to have been avoided with Severus and Sirius' previous actions.And then you attempt to distract me from the fact with a rather lovely piece of 'interlude'.Not working... Wants details...*pouts*Just kidding. This was a great update and you just raised the tension level another notch. I'm thinking it may not be possible for her to stay and go back to Hogwarts as planned now. I'll be honest and say that I want the next installment, like oh, yesterday, LOL!Happy writing!~
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Darn. If that won't work to distract you, what will?? ;)I have to tweak the last bit, but it shouldn't take too long. And you are quite insightful and generally right.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Darn. If that won't work to distract you, what will?? ;)I have to tweak the last bit, but it shouldn't take too long. And you are quite insightful and generally right.
yay...finally. lovely coupling. thanks so much
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Quite welcome. :)
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Quite welcome. :)
Okay, now Hermione has the ability to find Sirius, too? And why is this a deadly spell?
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
The spell is deadly because it allows the caster(s) to change the intent of another person's magic. It doesn't give her the ability to find Sirius. It gave him the ability to change HER intent in that moment. If three other people got together and did the spell, they could direct it outward (instead of at each other) and subtly change a spell being cast or an ongoing spell - such as the protections on Hogwarts. That was what Sirius warned her about in the library, and the reason Severus wanted the spell destroyed.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
The spell is deadly because it allows the caster(s) to change the intent of another person's magic. It doesn't give her the ability to find Sirius. It gave him the ability to change HER intent in that moment. If three other people got together and did the spell, they could direct it outward (instead of at each other) and subtly change a spell being cast or an ongoing spell - such as the protections on Hogwarts. That was what Sirius warned her about in the library, and the reason Severus wanted the spell destroyed.
Nice chapter, although Severus having the ability to track Sirius gives me the shivers.Somehow I wonder if Sirius will be back for a daring Gryffindor moment...
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thanks! I think Sirius knew what he was about. I'm fairly sure Severus won't go after him unless it becomes absolutely necessary. I would imagine Sirius would do what he could in the war effort but I don't know that he'd show his face to do it at this point.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thanks! I think Sirius knew what he was about. I'm fairly sure Severus won't go after him unless it becomes absolutely necessary. I would imagine Sirius would do what he could in the war effort but I don't know that he'd show his face to do it at this point.
You are such a talented storyteller!
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thank you very much! That means so much to me.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thank you very much! That means so much to me.
This is a very powerful chapter. I wish Sirius wasn't gone. Brilliant as always.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thank you! He had to go away, for so many reasons. With any luck, he'll find a way to be happy. And, knowing him, he'll find his way back eventually.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thank you! He had to go away, for so many reasons. With any luck, he'll find a way to be happy. And, knowing him, he'll find his way back eventually.
wow...that left me breathless. i am all agog to see where this is going. thanks so much.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thanks! I hope you are breathing normally again - though I won't promise that will continue when the next one posts... It's in the queue.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thanks! I hope you are breathing normally again - though I won't promise that will continue when the next one posts... It's in the queue.
Oh that was just stunning. I really enjoyed every moment. There was something subtle and gentle about the whole thing and just made it lovely to read. I like that Severus and Sirius made a certain peace with each other, and I love the interactions between all three of them. What a lovely read. :) Thank you for sharing it.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thank you so much! I am glad you're enjoying it. I tried to keep them true to character, with all the complexities that would entail. I'm pleased it works for you. :)There's a bit more to come, so stay tuned!
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thank you so much! I am glad you're enjoying it. I tried to keep them true to character, with all the complexities that would entail. I'm pleased it works for you. :)There's a bit more to come, so stay tuned!
So, the spell is complete and our divine Puck is loosed upon the world, free to make benevolent mischief with Snape as his fail-safe.Sirius has held Severus to his word and guaranteed that he will be able to locate him if needed, to stop him if necessary, by taking over and turning the one component of the spell that would have allowed Hermione to recognise and know where he was at any time. This was his gift to her and Severus - removing the burden of knowledge from her and providing Severus a clear opportunity to have Hermione to himself. Poor Hermione is not happy with being the recipient of Sirius' gift from the look of things.And to complicate matters, she insists on walking where angels fear to tread by pushing Severus with that question, possibly jeopardising their budding relationship.Mercy! Just a little bit, indeed...I have absolutely enjoyed the interaction of these three. I'd have never thought to put them together because any combination of these canon characters is a bit volatile if they are kept in character.You have managed this task masterfully, dear author. This story is a treat. I look forward to the next update. Until then, happy writing!~
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Wow. Thank you! Yes, to eveyrthing you said about what happened. I will refer any questions about this chapter to your review! LOL. I am glad you are enjoying the story. It was difficult to find a way to keep Sirius and Severus close enough to do what needed to be done yet far enough apart to not kill each other. Obviously, Hermione is the catalyst for their ability to be civil with one another, if barely.Stay tuned for the aftermath. ;)
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Wow. Thank you! Yes, to eveyrthing you said about what happened. I will refer any questions about this chapter to your review! LOL. I am glad you are enjoying the story. It was difficult to find a way to keep Sirius and Severus close enough to do what needed to be done yet far enough apart to not kill each other. Obviously, Hermione is the catalyst for their ability to be civil with one another, if barely.Stay tuned for the aftermath. ;)
Powerful stuff. And even though he answered her question honestly, he did it in a way that if taken out of context it would not seem to be a lie or truth.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thank you! Snape is very good at telling the truth and revealing nothing, a skill Hermione might find useful, all things considered.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Thank you! Snape is very good at telling the truth and revealing nothing, a skill Hermione might find useful, all things considered.
Great story, although I'm no longer sure what is happening.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
A common thread, for which I apologize. I've edited the chapter in hopes of making it clearer. At the end of the spell, Sirius' magic was hidden from everyone, including Hermione, and Snape had the ability to find Sirius wherever he might be.
Response from makaem (Reviewer)
I should have clarified, I need to go back and reread the story. A couple of months ago, I decided I wouldn't start any new stories until the other ones I was reading wrapped up-- that lasted about 48 hours. But it means I sometimes don't give stories the full attention they deserve. Some stories are less predictable than others and require a more active role on the part of the reader, this is one of those stories. Plus, I don't mind being confused, it increases my enjoyment for the moment things all come together.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
A common thread, for which I apologize. I've edited the chapter in hopes of making it clearer. At the end of the spell, Sirius' magic was hidden from everyone, including Hermione, and Snape had the ability to find Sirius wherever he might be.
Response from makaem (Reviewer)
I should have clarified, I need to go back and reread the story. A couple of months ago, I decided I wouldn't start any new stories until the other ones I was reading wrapped up-- that lasted about 48 hours. But it means I sometimes don't give stories the full attention they deserve. Some stories are less predictable than others and require a more active role on the part of the reader, this is one of those stories. Plus, I don't mind being confused, it increases my enjoyment for the moment things all come together.
You're way above my head, girl. But I trust that I will get it eventually!
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
You weren't alone! I apparently failed to explain it well enough throughout the story. I've gone back and edited the explanations for the individual spells, which I hope will help. Basically, Snape hid Sirius' magic and Sirius counteracted Hermione's spell to locate him, giving that ability to Snape instead.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
You weren't alone! I apparently failed to explain it well enough throughout the story. I've gone back and edited the explanations for the individual spells, which I hope will help. Basically, Snape hid Sirius' magic and Sirius counteracted Hermione's spell to locate him, giving that ability to Snape instead.
I may have to re-read this, but I must admit that I don't really understand what they did.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
I have added the explanations in text. They did what they all had promised. Snape hid Sirius' magic. Hermione tried to ensure she could find Sirius, and Sirius perverted that intention and gave the ability to Snape instead. I hope that helps!
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
I have added the explanations in text. They did what they all had promised. Snape hid Sirius' magic. Hermione tried to ensure she could find Sirius, and Sirius perverted that intention and gave the ability to Snape instead. I hope that helps!
I don't get it. The online translator I used for the spells said: Fieri One for Hermione's (is that even in English?), Hide Footsteps for Snape's spell, Place Eternal for Hermione's, Punish Objection for Sirius's and One Upon Trio for Hermione's. What happened there? I hope we will find out in chapters to come.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Make One. - the three part of the spell melded.Hide Traces - Snape cloaked Sirius' magic.Find Forever - Hermione's attempt to keep track of Sirius.Contradict - Sirius' removed Hermione's ability to find him.One into Three - to end the spell so the parts were separate.I went back and added the explanations, as it was apparently not as clear in print as it was in my head. Apologies for that.
Response from nata (Reviewer)
Thank you for that. Now it certainly makes sense.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Make One. - the three part of the spell melded.Hide Traces - Snape cloaked Sirius' magic.Find Forever - Hermione's attempt to keep track of Sirius.Contradict - Sirius' removed Hermione's ability to find him.One into Three - to end the spell so the parts were separate.I went back and added the explanations, as it was apparently not as clear in print as it was in my head. Apologies for that.
Response from nata (Reviewer)
Thank you for that. Now it certainly makes sense.
You will have to forgive me? Does Snape now have Sirrius' magic? or just the ability to track him?Nicely done. Nice twist on the question.
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Just the ability to track him. Forever. Just thinking about Severus with that sort of power makes me shiver.Thank you. I was going for a particularly Snape-ish answer and consulted with experts on the wording. If Snape was a Muggle, he'd make a good lawyer. Or a bad one, depending on your perspective. ;)
Response from Melenka (Author of Just a Little Bit)
Just the ability to track him. Forever. Just thinking about Severus with that sort of power makes me shiver.Thank you. I was going for a particularly Snape-ish answer and consulted with experts on the wording. If Snape was a Muggle, he'd make a good lawyer. Or a bad one, depending on your perspective. ;)