Forces of Nature
Chapter 4 of 16
MelenkaSmall, fast movements create the greatest force.
Severus looked down at the open book. She had not taken the bait. He put his finger on the page, the words fading to be replaced by a diagram. It would have done the same for her, had she touched it. It was a simple spell, performed in a rush at the sound of her feet on the stairs.
He studied the drawing, comparing it from memory to the one she had sketched, trying to determine why she had made the minute changes. Straight lines had curved slightly, marked by tiny points where she had let her quill rest for a brief second. He would think they indicated hesitation if drawn by a less careful student. Not student, witch. She had eclipsed most students early on and was making inroads on the skills of even accomplished wizards, all because she wanted to know more than they could or would teach her. Almost no one had noticed, preferring to see a bright young girl rather than a meteoric star. They saved their adulation for Potter. Fools.
He was not so blind. Hermione was far more dangerous than the boy. He would have thought they'd realize the hazards posed by such a brilliant, dedicated student. Why do they not? The answer came unbidden because she was just a girl. Had his life not been ruined by their last failure of perception, he would find the irony delicious.
He flipped the page, revealing the notes for the spell and a list of cautions. A cold ball formed in the pit of his stomach as he read the first one. Failure to perform exactly may prove fatal. She had to have seen it. He snatched up the book, hoping she had not left the library yet and that Sirius had.
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Hermione had abandoned the chair for the grotesquely carved desk under the windows. The light was better, and she had room to spread out. I need a place like this, only not so ugly. She dreamed of her own library, one where she could lose herself in silence. Shaking her head, she returned to the problem at hand. It wouldn't do to get distracted at this stage.
She dipped her quill in blue ink and carefully drew another vector. It was no more likely to be the right one than the ones before it. How many now? Her brain supplied the answer automatically. Twenty-nine a small number considering the infinite possibilities. She might be working on this for the rest of her life. She smiled at the prospect.
She picked up another quill. Red ink followed the blue. She did not react to red ink the same way her fellow students did, largely because she saw little of it on her assignments. She knew they thought her stuffy, often dull, but it didn't rankle as it once had. They didn't understand the beauty of her method, seeing only a desire for perfection. They were wrong about that. What she wanted was truth, and truth could be imperfect. Sometimes, it had to be.
She traced over the red arc with green, turning it a muddy brown. Better. But not yet right. She shoved the page away, pulling out another, returning to blue. If this was not it, she would try again. And again. She tucked her hair behind her ear and adjusted the calculation, only a hairsbreadth. She hoped it was enough, as she had every time before and would until she gained what she sought.
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He swept into the room, wielding the book like a cudgel. If she refused to listen to reason, he could bludgeon her with it. He took grim pleasure in the thought. She didn't look up as he approached the desk, merely held up her hand. He ground to a halt, then cursed himself. He would not allow her such power.
"Do you have any idea what you are doing?"
"Yes." Her quill hand was steady on the page. "Be quiet and let me do it."
He seethed. Interrupting her might mean disaster. How had he let her get away with this? I paid insufficient attention. A mistake he meant not to make again. He closed his eyes, going still. When he opened them again, she was sitting back in the chair, carved gargoyles looking over her shoulder.
"What did you want, Severus?"
"Professor Snape!" he snapped.
"Not any longer." There was no malice in her words, just truth. It stung the same.
"It is more than a job title, Miss Granger."
"As you say. What did you want... Professor?"
"This!" He slammed the book on the desk, careful to keep it from touching her pages. He pointed to the sketch. She did not look at it.
"That is a book." She met his gaze. "And I am not the librarian."
"No, you are a madwoman."
"You base this on what? A drawing in a book? A book, I note, that bears little resemblance to the one you were reading in the kitchen." She picked up a volume, similar in size and color, and tossed it at him. He caught it reflexively and set it aside.
"What are you playing at?" He waved a hand over her pages.
"I would hardly call it playing. Speculating would be more accurate."
"Answer the question," he growled.
"No."
He struggled to regain his composure. "What you are doing is very dangerous, Miss Granger."
"You have no idea what I'm doing, and that infuriates you, but it is hardly incumbent upon me to explain it to you if you haven't done your homework properly." She turned his own words back on him.
"Modifying that spell is madness."
"No, it's science. Trial and error. Have you never pushed the boundaries of what you should do, in search of what you want to know?"
"Not when the consequences were so dire."
"No?" One eyebrow arched.
"Magic is not science, Hermione."
"It is very close to it." She sighed. "There is nothing in the changes I am working that endangers you or Sirius."
"You could blow him back through the veil, and I would consider the world a better place. But as that is not your intention, you need to tread carefully."
"I am always careful." She stacked the pages and tucked them in a folio, tying it closed with a black ribbon. She took a cloth from the corner of the desk, wiped the quill, and returned it to her writing case with the others. Corks fit into bottles of ink, lined up precisely by the folio.
He curled his hands to keep from hauling her over the desk, now that the pages were safely stored. Jaw clenched, he waited for her to finish. Then he would wipe the smirk off her face. She stood up and stretched, a soft groan escaping as she straightened. She would still be in pain. Good.
"There. I have put away my frightening research. Happy?" She moved around the desk, trying to slip past him.
"Not yet." He grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him.
She reached for her wand. It was on the desk, neatly aligned with the books. Her eyes widened.
"You have no idea how much danger you are in."
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Her breath caught as his fingers closed like a vise on her wrist. His touch was electric, sending currents coursing up the nerves in her arm. "Let me go."
"No."
"Please." She had hoped it would sound more steady.
"No." He grasped his wand. "You wished to learn about spells that do not involve motion."
"I am not your student."
"Today, you are." His wand did not move. If he spoke a word, she did not hear it. He released her hand. It stayed in place.
"A stasis spell." She rolled her eyes.
"Not quite. If it were stasis, you would not be able to talk."
"Modified, then."
"Yes. And no. It is a matter of will, and at the moment, mine is stronger than yours."
"What did you hope to prove?"
"Prove? Nothing. It is a demonstration, no more." His smile was not friendly.
"This is one of your own making." She thought about what would be necessary to perform it.
"It is."
"So you have pushed boundaries." Her hand moved the barest fraction of an inch.
"Repeatedly." He released the spell.
"Can you show me how to do that?"
"I can show you many things. The question is why I would want to."
"What would it take to get you to teach me?" She was not above serving his meals or doing his laundry if it meant she could learn more. She'd done worse. And look how well that turned out.
"Submission," he said softly. She jerked back from the light in his black eyes. "Of an essay," he added.
"On what topic?" She could write about anything.
"What I did on my summer vacation. That's a favorite in Muggle schools, I believe. Surely it presents no real challenge. Two rolls of parchment regarding what you learned when you went home, Miss Granger."
Anything but that. The lump in her throat threatened to choke her. "I doubt you would find it interesting."
"Nonetheless. Two rolls on the most moving experience you had, by morning, and I will teach you what you wish to know. Within reason, of course."
She took a deep breath. "I can do that."
"Good girl." He turned on his heel and left the room, not looking back.
She bit down on her finger to keep from screaming.
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The door closed with a quiet click. He dropped into the chair beside his bed and rubbed his temples. A headache had threatened from the moment he'd touched her, a result of his internal war. The spell had been a compromise. He did not care to think about what he had wanted to do. Knowing he would not take advantage of her relative inexperience did not make it more palatable.
That she was no longer an innocent child had become clear before last night's incident. He ground his teeth. He had not needed such validation of his assumption, could not forget it. No matter what she had 'learned' while away from Hogwarts, she did not know enough to stay clear of Sirius Black.
Merely thinking the dog's name sent a spike through his temple. A potion would rid him of the headache. He embraced the pain instead. Something would have to be done. Tonight.
He looked around the small room. He had chosen it for the décor, or lack thereof. The rest of the Black house was a nightmare of garish contrasts. He could endure that to keep her safe. That is not the true purpose. He pushed the admission aside. His reasons might not be pure, but they were good. She would not believe it of him.
With a flick of his wand, he began the packing process. He would wait until she had gone to bed before he took the rooms next to hers. The move should irritate Sirius, reason alone to do it. The throbbing pain abated at the thought.
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She folded her clothes neatly, then put on the white cotton nightgown her parents had bought for the new school year. It reminded her of the ones she had worn when she was little. She found it comforting. She got into bed, drawing her knees up to support her notebook. The first draft would not be worthy of parchment. During all her years at Hogwarts, she had hidden a notebook under her mattress for that very reason. She chewed on the end of her pen. Ten minutes later, she threw the pen across the room. The blank note pages fluttered as they followed it.
How could she write about that? She had, of course, in disappearing ink. It didn't run when she cried over it. Her mother had come in once, concerned that she was suffering from a broken heart. She couldn't explain that it was far worse. Her heart was intact. She simply could not forgive herself for being utterly stupid. She was hardly going to reveal it to Snape.
Think. What else had moved her? Nothing that compared. The American had taken her time, her summer, her confidence all on a lark and she had let him. Not just let him, encouraged him. Dazzled by blue eyes and a boyish smile, she had followed him all over Boston, and other places, until she had almost forgotten what she was. It had felt so good to be treated like a normal girl until she had discovered she was no better at it there than she had been at school. The realization that she could not escape herself had been devastating. Snape should not know that, either. She had been tormented enough.
She slid off the bed. Slouching to the door, she reached down to pick up the notebook. And found herself looking into tiny black eyes. The mouse shook, terrified.
"Shhh. I'm not going to hurt you." She looked around the room. "I'm afraid I don't have anything for you."
His whiskers twitched. She could swear he nodded at her before flicking his tail and darting back in the hole.
He has a system, a way to avoid being caught. She smiled. She had a system, too.
"Thank you," she whispered, retrieving the pen and bouncing across 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. ;)