Resonance
Chapter 9 of 16
MelenkaMarked increase in vibration of vibrating body when subjected to periodic forces that matches its natural frequency.
"I can't stop," Hermione said. "Not now. There's too much at stake."
"The fate of the world?" Sirius tried to make it a joke.
"Your fate. Mine." She looked across the room. "His."
Severus strode in. "I seem to have missed the context."
"Hermione has perfected the first part of the spell," Sirius explained, gesturing to the parchment.
"How?" From his lips, the word was an indictment.
"By accident," she snapped.
"No," Sirius corrected, "by changing the order in which things were done." His look warned her to proceed with caution.
"I suppose I should be grateful to be alive." Severus ground his teeth, obviously holding back his true feelings on the matter.
"One should always be grateful to be alive," Sirius said softly.
Hermione could not stand to witness another sparring match between them. "Getting this part right is irrelevant."
Both men stared at her as if she'd gone barmy.
"I won't be able to do this again because there is no way to make the same mistake twice," she explained.
"Clearly, you were not paying attention at school. The same mistake is repeated constantly." Severus paused. "Except by you."
"No, statistically similar mistakes occur at regular intervals. But making the exact same mistake is impossible. You can't control every contributing factor."
They spoke no words, but twin frowns told her she had lost them. They would never admit it.
She sighed. "It may not have been the order of the colors. It could have been the hour, the phase of the moon, Sirius walking into the room at that precise moment. But were we able to stage everything the exact same way, it still would not work because I know what needs to be done now, which I did not when I started."
"So you're saying that not only will you not be able to do that again, but no one will?" Sirius crossed his arms, doubt evident.
"Yes."
"And you are wrong." Severus closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Just as you cannot expect to repeat the same actions, you cannot guarantee that you or someone else will not make similar enough actions to cause the same result."
"But the odds against it are astronomical," she pointed out.
"Which does not change the fact that it is possible," Severus insisted.
"Fine. You're right. It is possible. But for my purpose, it is highly unlikely. And as there is no record of anyone else ever having made the bloody thing work before, I think it's a safe assumption that doing this spell won't suddenly become all the rage."
Sirius shook his head. "I'll leave you two to argue statistics and theory. It's more than I care to do on a full stomach."
She nodded at him. The conversation was not driving him out. His magic had been crawling up her skin, pushing. If Sirius did not leave soon, Severus would be affected. He might believe it was the spell, convincing him further of its inherent danger. Or he might realize it was something else and set out to discover what. Both situations were best avoided. Sirius slipped from the room.
Severus frowned, reaching for the parchment. He hesitated. "May I?"
"Please." She swallowed her fear that he would destroy it.
He held the page gingerly. "This is remarkable."
"I believe we've established that," she said dryly.
"Indeed." He shifted his gaze to her. "But a thing of beauty should be appreciated, especially when it has the power to annihilate." He set the page on the desk and stepped back. "I rarely take such risks unless I know the rewards will be worth it."
"No, I don't imagine you do."
"You should stop now, Hermione, before you get hurt."
"I can't."
"If I asked it of you?"
"No. And you wouldn't. You want just as much as I to see how it works out."
"More," he said. "But I would rather it not be done in haste."
"Time is of the essence," she said. "The summer is almost over, and I will never be allowed to follow this path once I'm back at Hogwarts."
"Nor should you be," he said softly. He walked slowly from the room. A few moments later, his door closed. She could feel the magic flare above her. He had set wards.
------------------
Sirius knelt in the dirt, digging out weeds. He could have used magic, but it wouldn't have been as satisfying. The magic pressed on him, seeking a way out. He fought it, wanting to save it for beauty. If Hermione's spell kept the authorities at bay, he could spend the rest of his time repairing the damage Muggles insisted on doing to their world. He wondered if they would notice.
When the magic would no longer be denied, he used it to prune the big tree at the back of the yard. He could feel its relief, though he'd no idea how. He looked at the pile of dead branches and concentrated. They transformed into a wide bench. Fallen leaves and weeds became a thick cushion. He pruned a bush into the shape of a wolf and used the detritus to make a table. It would be a lovely spot to read. He used the last of the magic to clean the dirt from him. He stretched out on the cushion, welcoming the aches from the manual labor. They made him feel more alive, more real. He wasn't convinced he was either.
Her scent arrived first, lavender and ink this time, laced through with agitation. The taste of it settled on his tongue. He sat up, stretching, and waited for her to cross the garden. She hesitated at the edge of the area he'd just cleared.
"You can still feel it," he said quietly.
"Yes. The residue hums, as if it's looking for somewhere else to go."
"Does it bother you?" he asked.
"The magic, or how you do it?"
"Both."
"Some." She sighed and sat next to him. "Not as much as my magic bothers you."
"They are both dangerous."
"Magic is," she said dryly. She turned to him. "Have you found any limits to yours?"
"So far, it works the same as wand magic."
"Not exactly the same." She shook her head.
"More theory?" he teased.
"No. I've had enough of that this evening. It was the healing that made me notice the difference. It was... softer somehow, as if my body was convinced to heal itself rather than manipulated from the outside."
"Perhaps that's why I didn't notice during my recovery. It was focused on me because it was me. And now that it's finished, it wants a new task."
"Or perhaps it couldn't manifest until you were healed and the process was completely natural. There's too much we don't know. I'm not experienced enough to separate it out." She frowned.
"I don't think I would care to be studied by anyone who was. Best to leave this a mystery. It will give some young woman two hundred years in the future something to occupy her when she's stuck in a house during summer break."
She laughed. "It would be kind to leave something for that future girl to discover."
He thought she would leave it after that. They sat in companionable silence, looking at stars revealed by an unusually clear night sky. He put his arm around her as she leaned her head on his shoulder.
"You don't need my spell," she said.
"No?"
"You could simply use your magic to convince people that they didn't want to find you. They wouldn't know you'd done it because it would seem completely natural. And as your magic will read differently, there would be no way to detect it. "
He pushed her away gently. "What part of that would not be Unforgivable?" he whispered. "I'll have no part in circumventing free will."
"Isn't that what my spell does... will do, if I ever get it figured out?"
"Yes."
"But you'll accept that?"
"I would be asking you to cast it on me, requesting the changes it will make, helping you skew the intent. I trust you. What would happen if your spell got out and anyone could use it?"
She shivered. "Voldemort."
"Or Bella. Or any one of the other Death Eaters. There would be no war, only surrender, everyone convinced it was what they'd intended." He waited as her eyes filled with horror. "Do you see now why Severus is so afraid? Why I am? You have a conscience." The list of people who did not had been running through his head all evening, and he'd not run out of names. Not all of them presented as evil.
"You want me to stop, too." She scuffed her feet.
"No. I'm selfish. That hasn't changed. I need you to continue, for both our sakes, but you must destroy your research when it's done."
"That suggestion did come from Snape," she said.
"Yes. He has been known to be right on more than one occasion. Promise me you will burn every note you have on this when all is done."
She stared into the dark, silent, her resistance an acrid wave. She sighed, squaring her shoulders. "I will."
"Thank you." He hugged her to him, kissing the top of her head.
"Don't thank me yet. If the other two pieces don't come together perfectly, on that same page, there may be little to destroy."
"Then we've only one chance." He tilted her chin up. "I have faith."
"We're running out of time."
"Best to use what's left to us then." He kissed her.
------------------
Severus sat at the desk, rereading her notes. He'd have thought she would be more careful with her precious notebook after the first incident. He sometimes found it hard to remember she was still a student. Not yours. He needed to stop thinking of her that way almost as much as he needed to convince himself she was not his. Not yet. He was reasonably sure she was proving it at that very moment. Jealousy flared and was tamped down by reason.
She needed Sirius. He represented everything the awful boy in America had failed to show her. Or so she thought. The dog only looked young; underneath, he was all the things he'd always been cocky, cavalier and self-serving. Severus grudgingly added optimistic, caring, loyal, and brave to the list, hoping desperately that was the side he would show her. She needed a summer fling that could restore her confidence, and he was the wrong person for that. He closed his eyes, praying that Sirius would realize her vulnerability and not break her further.
If he failed her, the dog would be hunted down and no promise to her would save him. A small smile formed on his lips as he returned to reading her notes.
------------------
Moonlight poured over tender kisses. Hands explored, tentative, needing to feel, to know. Her desire washed over him, awakening the magic. She gasped as it wrapped around them.
"Let it be, love. You're in no danger from me." He lay back on the bench, taking her with him, her head coming to rest on his chest.
"I..." she swallowed, hesitant. "I have a confession to make."
"I am no priest." He laughed, low and dark.
She gathered her courage. "Last night..." Courage failed.
"I know."
"It doesn't bother you?"
"Where do you want to be, Hermione? Right now."
"Exactly where I am," she answered.
"That's all I need to know." He pulled her up, silencing her doubt with a kiss. His hand stroked her leg, pushing up the demure dress until his fingers found what he sought. She writhed against him, slick heat parting as he explored her.
"And what do you want?"
"This."
"Just this?" His fingers stilled.
"More." Her hand, flat on his chest, moving lower, testing, discovering desire rampant. "Your eyes turn silver when you want me," she murmured.
"Do they?" He kissed her, trembling as she wrapped her fingers around him. "What color are they now?"
"Platinum," she said, smiling wickedly as she stroked him. "And smoke."
With a flick of his hand, their clothes vanished. "Better," he said, bearing her down and suckling one moon-dappled breast. She moaned, releasing him. He lifted her legs onto the bench, parting them as he took the other nipple into his mouth. Her breath quickened as he pushed against her, then stopped.
"More?" he asked. She nodded, lifting her hips to receive him. He entered her, reveling in her willingness. Her desire mingled with the magic, trailing over his skin as he moved inside her, slow, deliberate. He kissed her as he slid home, holding her still, savoring the way she fit him.
"More!" she commanded, tightening around him.
"As you desire." He nipped at her shoulder as she wriggled beneath him. He fastened his teeth on her neck, increasing pressure as she struggled, careful not to hurt her. Threads of fear inflamed need. She dug her fingers into his arms, twisting to meet him as the tempo increased. Feathered kisses soothed away the marks on her neck. Her nails bit into his shoulders, a reward for pleasure. He let loose his beast, growling as he pounded into her, driven on by broken cries for more, always more.
No. He fought instinct, willing his breath to deepen, the pace to slow.
"Don't stop!" She pummeled his back. He welcomed the bruises.
"I have to." He could barely choke out the words.
"Not now. Please." Her eyes were almost black in the moonlight.
"I don't want to hurt you." He pleaded with her to understand.
"Hurt me. Take me. Fill me." Her demands cracked his resolve.
He threw his head back, driving into her. She raked her nails down his back. He grabbed her arms, hands locking on her wrists to keep her from tearing at him. She did not know what she asked, what she had done. He could not stop it now. Seizing her mouth with a searing kiss, he poured his magic into her, filling her as she convulsed against him, muffling her screams. He rolled to the side, wrapping her in his arms, spent.
"Now you are stronger than all of them," he whispered, stroking her hair as she cried into his shoulder.
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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. ;)