Position
Chapter 11 of 16
MelenkaThe place a given thing is located at a given time. The location of something relative to something else.
Summer rain, light and only slightly chilly, struck the two, drops gathering to form rivulets running down dirt-streaked arms. Movement stilled as if to ward off morning, they stared at what they had done in confused wonder.
"There's one more," she said, yawning.
"Leave it. I have plans." His neck popped as he rolled his head.
"I suppose we should go in." She made no move to rise.
"I suppose we should." He sat where he was.
Thigh next to thigh, knee to knee, they watched as the night faded. They were still there, soaked and tired, when the first bird sang.
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She was not in the library. Books lay open on the table, the floor, the chair random tomes, their purpose obscure. Severus approached the desk, reluctant yet unable to keep from looking. It was the only clean surface in the room, and in the center was a single page. Severus stared down at it, hand hovering, then withdrawing. He closed his eyes against the evidence before him. She was almost done. He gave a nod to the inevitable, picked up her cold cup, and went to discover the truth.
They were not in the kitchen. Neither had been in their rooms the night before. He'd been awake half the night, debating on whether or not to take a sleeping draught until it had been too late. He set the cup in the sink and looked out onto the venomous garden. Fingers gripping the counter, he wondered briefly if he would be sick. A damp breeze brought fragrance the like of which he had not smelled in years. He shook with remembering.
He stepped onto the walk, cleared of weed and vine. He focused on the brick path, not wanting to see the beauty around him, alarmed by what it meant. He had been twice a fool. He stopped, carefully taking in perfection masked as the disorder of a cottage garden, broken here and there by orderly beds of herbs, some he'd had great trouble locating. How could I have been so blind? Steeling himself for what he might find, he took the final turn.
They were like statues. Mud-encrusted, barely touching, they looked out, failing to note his arrival. It was not at all what he had expected, but in many ways it was far worse. He cleared his throat. As one, their heads turned. His image reflected in eyes red and glazed, he broke their trance.
"The last one is for you." Sirius spoke as if from a distance.
"Oh." Hermione tilted her head. "That makes sense."
Severus turned slowly, following her gaze. Against the high wall were three topiaries wolf, stag, and dog. The last hedge remained untrimmed.
"You'll want to step back, to keep me where you can see me," Sirius said. There was no threat in it. Severus did as he was bade. Without word or gesture, the hedge took shape, leaves and branches falling until it resembled a hawk.
"You did all this?" Severus asked.
"She helped."
"In one night?"
"Two, actually." Sirius shrugged.
"And I did not notice."
"You were busy." Sirius turned to Hermione. "Coffee or bed?"
"Bath," she announced, standing and stretching. "Then bed." She wandered down the path and disappeared around the corner.
Sirius sat with his hands on his knees, purposely keeping them where they could be seen, a throwback to the rules of combat. Rules which obviously no longer applied. "You needed to see it for yourself."
"I'm uncertain as to what I witnessed, aside from an admirable display of landscape artistry."
Sirius glanced up at him. "You were always better at that than I was."
"At what?"
"Finding a way to not say what you know to be true."
Severus smiled bitterly. "It keeps me alive."
"Hermione knowing the truth will hasten my death." Their eyes locked.
"Yes." Severus looked away first. And hers. He did not need to say it aloud.
"I've given you no reason to like me, and I doubt that will ever change," Sirius said. "Though it ought to have, and long ago."
Severus grew still. "We would be best served by not discussing the past."
Sirius continued as if he had not spoken. "You've no reason to help me now."
"I have very good reason." He glanced down the path. "But I doubt there is any way I can."
"You are the only one who can, the only one I am sure will do what is necessary."
"We will not play this game again," Severus growled. "Tell me clearly what it is you want."
"If I am unable to control this," Sirius waved at the garden, "I must be stopped." He looked up, haunted by possibility.
"And you expect me to do it. Why?"
"Because you dislike me." Sirius looked up. "Though you can't bring yourself to hate me, try as you might.
"I did hate you."
Sirius ignored the confession. "And you don't fear me. Few with the strength will have that unique combination."
"That is not enough for me to agree to this."
"Then do it for Hermione. She thinks to keep ties on me. You cannot allow it."
"It is difficult to convince her to change her mind when she believes she's right. Her insistence on continuing with the spell should have demonstrated that enough so even you would notice."
"Then don't bother trying to sway her. Just do what needs doing."
"Your bloodline is showing," Severus warned.
"Wickedness in the service of good is not beyond either of us, Snape."
"And I suppose you have devised a plan that will keep her from finding you?"
"She designed it herself. I will simply pervert her desire." The casual admission proved again that he had not changed.
"She will hate me for my role in it. Is that part of your plan as well?"
"No, though it did occur to me. I will ensure she does not blame you. In time, she'll see the wisdom of it. For now, she's blinded by hope. That will pass, and though I will be sorry for the loss of it, you should benefit."
"That is hardly a given."
Sirius sighed. "It's a possibility. She's loved you far longer than you know. Someday, she'll admit it."
"Perhaps." He kept his tone even, almost disinterested. "I am more concerned with the present."
"I'm asking more of you than I've any right to, and you have grounds to refuse."
"Are you certain this is what you want?"
"No. I'm certain it's what is right. And so are you. If I am to die, I'd rather it be by your hand." He quirked a smile. "Someone should find pleasure in it."
Severus swallowed, closing his eyes. "Why a hawk?"
"It's how I see you." Sirius stood.
"I will do as you ask." The words fell from his lips and were washed away by the rain.
"Thank you."
"Don't." He turned and walked back down the path.
--------------------
Hermione resisted the urge to soak in the big tub. There was no time to waste. She could not risk completing the spell while exhausted, but a nap should refresh her enough. Muscles complaining, she got out, wrapping her hair in a towel. She resisted a lifetime of her parents' admonishments to do simple things without magic and spelled herself dry. Wrapping herself in the silk robe, she returned to her quarters. The garden door banged shut as sleep overtook her.
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Steam hung in clouds when Sirius stepped into the tub. Hermione's scent suffused the room, mixed with lavender soap. She must have considered the irony of choosing that fragrance. Water stung the scratches she had given him. He smiled, sinking lower. Under the guise of caution, he'd dissuaded her from healing the welts. He regretted that none were deep enough to scar. His skin was all together too unmarred, like wearing a set of robes that belonged to someone else. She had broken him in, but there would be no evidence of that.
Evidence. He sat up, water splashing over the rim. She would have to explain the garden. He could not undo it. Would not. He needed to leave her something and he'd precious little of worth. He would not drape her in the trinkets of a cursed family, and she would refuse if he tried. A good story could be created to account for the changes in the yard. Something she would be able to tell without that delightful blush, just around the ears, that accompanied her absurd attempts to lie. She could manage when pressed, and he could think of nothing more pressing than his current predicament. He finished his bath, listening to Severus move around the kitchen. It was strangely soothing.
A cauldron bubbled on the stove. Vials lined up on the counter, some empty, bore testament to a complex potion. He had never been good at Potions.
"Keep your distance," Severus warned, coming in from the garden. He held up freshly cut herbs, tied in neat bundles. "You did this for me." It was an accusation. He set the herbs on the table and went to the stove to stir the mixture.
"Yes."
"Why? You could not have known my answer."
"I didn't even know I would ask the boon. Not everything I do is calculated, Severus. Sometimes, I'm just considerate."
"Then you've changed."
"Hadn't you noticed?" Sirius chuckled.
"Rather hard to miss you looking as you did then," Severus drawled.
"I thought the past wasn't a matter for discussion."
"It is not. I was merely making an observation."
"Nothing with you is that straightforward."
"Not as a rule, so listen carefully. You need to sleep before she finishes that blasted spell." He added a green liquid to the potion. "I believe you know the way."
"You aren't suggesting..."
Severus spun on him. "If you speak another word, I will not wait to kill you." He closed his eyes. "This will be your last chance. Go."
--------------------
She awoke when Sirius got into her bed, his hand warm on her back. She turned her head, opening one eye. "Mmpf?" she said into the pillow.
"Hush, love. Let me tend you." He soothed her aches without magic, fingers unraveling knots in her shoulders. She settled back, memorizing the feel of his hands as they caressed away her pain. She looked up at him when he stopped. Tenderness warred with sorrow, his eyes almost black.
"Let me hold you." She reached for him as he lay back on the pillows.
He pulled away, eyes fixed on the canopy. "He sent me to you."
She sighed. "He insists on torturing himself."
"He loves you."
"Which, I believe, proves my point. He'll not let me love him back until he gives in. And I suspect that will take a long time."
"I should go."
"Because emulating him in self-inflicted suffering is such a good idea," she said wryly. "Don't be an ass."
"But I'm so good at it." He smiled at her.
"You were. New life, new choices. If you don't want to be here with me, then get up." She wriggled closer. "Or else accept the odd circumstances and make love to me for what will likely be the last time."
He gathered her to him, kissing the top of her head. "You're a remarkable young woman," he murmured.
"I am a lunatic," she muttered into his shoulder.
He laughed. "That, too."
Hands slid over smooth skin, heat transferring, changing. The magic lay dormant as she ran her hands over his arms and chest. She kissed him, losing herself in the sweetness of his mouth, laughing as his eyes shone.
"Muffliato." He hadn't needed the word.
"You're a better man than you want people to believe," she said.
"No need to be cruel. Especially as I expect to make you scream."
"Do you? How very cocky." She kissed her way from his chest to his stomach as her hand moved lower. His shiver brought a smile. His fingers laced through her hair as she ran her tongue up the length of him, but he made no move to control her. She took him in her mouth, relishing his soft moans. She savored the feel of him, the taste, the way he fought, whether his own reaction or the magic did not matter. She lifted her head, satisfied that he knew she was in command.
"Not so full of yourself now, are you?"
He growled, pulling her up until she lay atop him, his breath ragged. She rose up on her knees, hands on his chest, and dropped back until he pressed against her.
"More?" she teased, lowering herself slowly when he nodded. He shuddered, still resisting the pull. "I'll take it," she whispered, "as much as you give me and more." She pushed on his chest until he was buried inside her. She rose up, just as slowly, then plunged down.
He howled as the magic burst forth, swirling around them. "Damn you!" He rolled her under him, pinning her shoulders, his kiss fierce as he thrust into her. She opened herself, taking him deeper, twisting to meet him, writhing as he forced her down.
"Give me everything," she cried.
"No," he ground out, slowing. The magic ebbed. "Only this. Only me."
She wrapped her legs around him, giving way, her hands moving over his back, his arms, his chest.
"You have always been enough." It was a benediction. He covered her mouth, his tears falling on her cheeks as he spilled into her. The magic covered them like a blanket, still and comforting as he fell asleep.
"And now you can control it," she whispered, drifting off.
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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. ;)