Momentum
Chapter 5 of 16
MelenkaStrength or force gained by motion or through the development of events
Hermione soaked in a huge, copper tub, her nose the only part not submerged. Muscles cramped from hours of writing were finally allowed to relax, along with a tension she had carried with her for too long. She slid into an upright position, water streaming from her hair. She stretched, a languid motion, and rose from the tub. She wrapped her hair in a towel and dropped her nightgown over her head, shrugging when the thin fabric stuck to her still damp body. She would be dry by the time she got to her room.
The silence of the house was bliss. She made her way up the stairs, toweling her hair as she went. It would still be wet when she awoke. There was nothing she could do about that.
He was standing in the hall when she got to the top of the stairs, all lean lines and controlled anger. She wondered if he knew how to relax, then dismissed the thought. His comfort was not her concern. She could no more keep his anger from turning on her than she could resist the thrill it gave her when she deflected it. Finding out she was capable of doing so was the best and most interesting thing she had done all summer, but it did not take two scrolls to explain. She smiled when he turned, scowling.
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His chest tightened when he looked on her, a vision in white. Smiling at him. She continued her slow progress, letting dark waves fall over her shoulder, towel dangling from her hand. Drops formed at the tips of her hair, falling to trail down her neck and gown. He swallowed. The old-fashioned nightdress barely hid the shape of her body as it swirled around her feet, brushed at her curves. And wherever the droplets fell, it became nearly transparent. He tore his gaze away.
"Up early, Miss Granger?"
"Up late, actually. You may recall giving me instructions last night."
Not the sort I'd have liked. He brushed away the thought. It came back stronger. "So I did."
She stopped in front of her door, fixing him with a steady look. "Wait, and you can have what you wanted." She slipped into the room, the door half open.
He could not keep from watching her. She bent to retrieve her essay, revealing delicate ankles. His eyes would not obey the command to focus only there. The light behind her turned her gown to a shadow screen, illuminating every motion. As she straightened, he stepped further back in the hall, adopting a pose of absolute boredom.
She glided across the floor. When did she learn to do that? Hermione had been known to stomp, stride, stalk, even creep. She did not glide. He realized he was staring at her.
"Here's what you wanted, Professor." The last word was a slap.
He stepped up to her, taking the rolls of parchment. He unrolled the first and glared down at her. "I ought to have expected this of you."
"Yes, you ought. I'm practiced at doing as I'm told."
"I am not certain this will fulfill the assignment," he warned.
"Surely you aren't backing down from our bargain? I followed your rules. Two rolls by morning." The stubborn set of her chin was a warning.
"I did not instruct you to lie."
"Perhaps if you read past the title, you'll find what you were looking for." She turned away. "I'm going to bed." She marched across the hall.
Better. He glanced down at the scrolls. Her script was perfect. "The Intertwined History of Magic and Science in New England." It did not improve when read aloud. He ground his teeth. She had purposely settled on a dull topic, likely tarting it up to seem that it had been all-important. Others would have believed it. Still, he could not fault her. She had given him what he had asked for, if not what he had wanted.
He looked at her closed door. Such potential there, most of it as yet unmet. Clutching the parchment, he descended to the kitchen in hopes of finding something to take the edge off his appetite.
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Sirius stepped out of the shadows at the end of the hall. What a delightful little show. Hermione was oblivious. He could blame it on her exhaustion, but it was more likely a result of inexperience. Severus had reeked of desire frustrated. There was no mistaking that smell.
The scene in the attic made more sense now. He had thought the protective gesture a result of so many years teaching. That the man was besotted had never occurred to him; rage had covered that scent. It was almost enough to make him feel sorry for Severus. Almost, but not quite. Glee was much more entertaining than sympathy.
He waited until clattering pots told him Severus was slamming around the kitchen. Then he quietly opened the door to Hermione's rooms and slipped inside.
She lay on the bed, her damp hair twisted like a rope, soaking the back of her nightgown. He looked down at her. He would have hours alone to think and do little else while he waited for her to wake. She moaned as she shifted position, twisting. He reached down, pushed her hair aside, and ran his hand over her back. She quieted. He did it again, listening as her breath deepened when the pain disappeared.
It does work. He could hardly believe it. He leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead. A soft sigh escaped her lips. He pulled up the covers and left the room. It seemed he did have something to occupy his time until she joined him.
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Severus stood before the desk, hands still by his side. He had laid the two rolls in the center. She enjoyed symmetry. In the space of an afternoon, she had made the room hers. His eyes took in the folio, willing its contents to spill open. He would make no move to disturb her research. Enough spying had been done for the wrong reasons. The puzzle would come together without that. He turned away.
Sirius stood in the doorway, smiling faintly. "I'm proud of you, Severus. Such restraint."
"I was merely returning an essay."
"How is our Hermione this afternoon?"
"She is not our anything." He clenched his fist. "She has not yet risen."
"I see." The smile grew.
Severus remembered that smile. On that boy. He had avoided looking at Sirius, returned to the perfection of youth. It was unbearable. He turned his head, but not so far that he couldn't see.
"Then it's you and I today." Sirius pushed off the wall and walked across the room.
Pure grace. Severus clenched his jaw. Sirius dropped into the chair, propping his boots on the table. He tilted his head back, smile still in place, knowledge bleeding into his eyes until they were almost black.
"I have better things to do." He turned to leave.
"I doubt that. You've been rattling around this house for days with no idea what to do with yourself." The smug tone was too familiar.
"And how would you know," he said, looking over his shoulder, "having only just escaped confinement?" He was rewarded with a flinch.
"I hear very well, Severus. Better than I did when we were young." The memory passed between them.
"Perhaps you will put your... senses to better use this time." He made it to the door.
"I have every intention of doing so. Shall I tell you what I find out?" The indolent question lashed across the room.
He spun, gripping his wand. "Stay away from her."
"Whatever for? Hermione and I get along quite well, or hadn't you noticed?"
"She is meant for better things."
"Like you?"
He stood, riveted.
"Did you think I would miss something that obvious? I'm surprised she hasn't discovered it yet. She's terribly clever. That always was your weakness clever women with a streak of kindness. One of your weaknesses, at any rate."
"Don't." It was the only warning he would give.
"Oh, no need to dwell on the past when the present is so intriguing. She's quite the young woman, isn't she? Just aquiver with curiosity waiting to be satisfied. Not the usual sort, either. She's looking at dark things."
"She doesn't know."
"Doesn't know what? That her research touches on the forbidden, or that you desire her? I dare say she doesn't know about that. How long have you been hiding it? Quite some time, I would guess. Your patience has improved."
"I learned many things while you were locked up."
"And all I have to fall back on is instinct. Which will prove more effective, do you think skills or intuition?"
"Leave her alone."
Sirius rose, supple grace giving way to animal tension. "I'll be damned if I let you tell me what to do in my own house," he growled.
"Then you'll be damned." He raised his wand, spell forming on his lips.
"Severus, no!"
Hermione raced into the room, hitting him low on his waist and bearing him to the ground. She landed half on top of him. All he could see were wide brown eyes. All he could feel was her fear.
"Kindly get off me." He placed his hand on her shoulder to shove her aside. Her hand covered his. He still held his wand.
"Please. No."
"I am not going to kill him." He held her gaze until she nodded. He gently pushed her aside and stood up. She remained at his feet, arms wrapped around her knees, looking up at him. He offered her his hand. She hesitated for a moment, then took it.
"Nice tackle, Hermione." Sirius laughed.
Had he not just made a promise against it, he would have dropped the dog where he stood, consequences be damned.
"Touch football, American style." She shrugged.
"That was more than a touch." Severus rubbed his hip.
"They play rough." Her grin was worth the pain and faded far too fast. "What, exactly, were you two arguing about?"
"It was nothing," Sirius said.
"Nothing." She narrowed her eyes and turned on him. "Don't mistake me for an idiot, Sirius. If he raised his wand, it was because you pushed him to it."
She is defending me. He could not move.
"What a terrible thing to say." Mock outrage could not cover the dog's enjoyment. He thrived on this sort of chaos. "Why would you think that?"
"Because in all the years he supervised total gits, he never once raised his wand to them in anger." She had one hand on her hip, a sure sign she was about to veer into moralizing. "I not only know your type, Sirius, I know you."
"Not as well as you may think." Severus stepped up behind her, breaking her concentration. He despised her when she was full of righteousness, regardless of on whose behalf. Better to face her wrath.
She whirled on him. "And you!"
The distraction had worked. "What about me, Miss Granger?"
"Clever, but I won't be your student here. From what I just saw, I am the most mature person in this room."
"Clearly." He looked her up and down. Strands of hair hung in her face, freed from a lopsided ponytail. The hit had carried them off the rug. Her shirt was dusty from the slide across the floor. His hip throbbed. She glared at him.
"I am going to my room to change. When I come downstairs, you will have hot water ready for my coffee." She turned on her heel and looked at Sirius. "And you will both be playing nicely for a change." She stalked from the room. The pounding of feet on the stairs was followed by the loud slam of her door.
Sirius walked towards him, arms open, palms up. "Shall we play nice, Severus?" He stopped, too close. "For once?" The smile had returned.
"Only for her."
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Hermione tore her shirt off and threw it across the room. "Men!"
She had heard what they had said. Both of them. Oh, lord. They were fighting over her. She leaned against the door. Her shaky legs gave out and she slid down to the floor. Fear and anger had kept her from thinking as she stood between them. There was nothing to stop the thoughts now. Her heart raced in panic. How could she go back downstairs, knowing?
Fear and anger. She fixed on the last. Anger. She had a store of it, stockpiled from years of being called Mudblood, of being ignored when she was the only one with her hand up, of being teased about her hair, her teeth, her clothes, her brains. She added the smoldering remains of her trip to America. The smallest breath would have set the whole lot to burning. Their blustering had caused it to blaze.
She got to her feet. She ripped the brush through her hair, only succeeding in making it wilder. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. This was not the way to do it. She picked up her toiletry bag, rooting through it until she found what she needed, then systematically set about changing her appearance, using only Muggle magic. It had taken a great deal of instruction, and no small investment, but she had learned to use the tools well.
She surveyed the results of her work. It would do. If nothing else, she was calmer than she had been since their voices had stopped her in the hall. Cold realization gripped her. She chased it away with the heat of fury.
The mouse darted out from under her wardrobe, zigzagged across the room and disappeared under her bed. She smiled.
"Thank you again."
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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. ;)