Fulcrum
Chapter 14 of 16
MelenkaThe support, or point of rest, on which a lever turns in moving a body. It can be in the middle, near the end, or at the end.
She was standing by the fireplace when he entered the library, her notes stacked neatly on the end table. Staring into the fire, she did not seem to notice his arrival. Shock still edged her features as she held herself still, as if normal movement would cause her to shatter. He wasn't sure it would not.
"I won't burn the books." Her voice was brittle.
"That won't be necessary. They were never the danger."
She relaxed slightly. Picking up the page at the top of the pile, she threw it in. "Ashes, ashes, we all fall down," she whispered. The parchment curled on itself, remnants settling onto the logs. He added the first of his notes, saying nothing.
Her breathing deepened, her touch on the paper almost reverent before she consigned it to the flames. His fingers did not want to release observations so dearly bought. Like dealing cards in a game of death, they alternated burning their pages, each sacrifice bringing them closer together until they almost touched. The fire consumed all with indiscriminate ease.
She slid the finished spell from the folio and held it out reluctantly. "Do you want the honors?"
He shook his head. "It is not mine to do."
"Very well." She took a deep breath and tossed the parchment almost casually into the flames. For a moment, it stayed as it was, the flames licking around it. Shoulder to shoulder, they tensed, staring until the edges caught.
"It's done." She turned her back on the fire, shaking as she walked away. He reached out to touch her, then let his hand fall. He could offer no comfort, only bear witness to her suffering, outlined as the blaze obliterated the proof of her brilliance.
A flash of light. She stumbled, hands reaching out for support but finding none. He lunged for her, catching her as she fell screaming. The light was everywhere, blinding. He closed his eyes against it, lowering them both to the floor. She thrashed, howling wordlessly. The light faded. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer.
"Oh, God, it hurts!" she cried. The fire burned low, its purpose fulfilled.
"Lumos." He lit every lamp in the room. Holding her shoulders down, he searched for the source of her agony. When he found it, he swore, jerking away from her. She lay on the floor, panting, tears running into her hair. He did not want to see it yet could not look away. Bile rose in his throat.
In the hollow behind her ankle, the perfectly formed spell swirled, settling finally into a warped version of itself, edges curled, tiny, beautiful and deadly.
His mind raced. The power of the spell made attempting to eradicate it far too dangerous. He knew what he was looking at, but he did not want to believe it. He bore its like, a mark that could not be removed. She could not have done this.
She struggled to sit up, weakened by her ordeal. Without thinking, he moved to help her, drawing her into his lap. She buried her face in his shirt, hiccupping as she clung to him. He smoothed her hair.
"What happened?" she mumbled into his chest.
"I don't know." He could not bring himself to admit his suspicion. She turned, leaning her back against him as she drew her knees up. When she stiffened, he knew she had seen it.
"No," she moaned.
He wrapped his arms around her as tremors rocked her body. She slumped back, hair covering her face as her head dropped to her knees. He turned her, slipping one arm under her legs, and stood. She looked up at him, confused and frightened.
"I didn't know it would do this. I swear I didn't." She thought he blamed her.
"This was not your doing," he growled. "We can discuss it later, after you've rested." He had no idea what he would say.
"I can walk."
He ignored the lie as he carried her up the stairs. He paused at the top, then moved toward her room.
"Please." Her hand tightened around his shirt. "Not there."
He nodded. He kicked open his door and brought her to the bed. He had to pry her fingers from his shirt when he laid her down. He stepped away.
"Don't leave me alone," she whispered.
"I was merely retrieving a salve to ease the pain."
She waited until he returned. "Is that really my spell?" She pointed to her ankle.
"It would appear so." He lifted her foot, gently applying the salve.
"Out there for anyone to see." She used anger to hide her alarm.
"Who would recognize it? The spell was unique." He hoped she would accept that. "And to the common eye, it looks a great deal like a Celtic triskele tattoo. No one would look twice at it."
He applied the salve to her ankle. She shuddered, biting her lip to keep from crying out. He touched her no more than was necessary for the treatment - whether out of concern for her pain or his aversion to the tattoo, he was not sure. As the analgesic took affect, she relaxed. He did not stop, telling himself that he needed to continue to prevent scarring, ignoring the fact that the design was, in essence, a permanent scar. She sighed as he rubbed the last of the salve into her skin.
"Thank you. That feels much better." Her breathing was returning to normal. "I don't suppose you have something that will make me feel like a normal person."
His breath caught at her smile. "If I had such a potion, I would not use it. You have never been normal." His fingers had moved to her calf, massaging the tension away.
"I'm not sure if that's a compliment or an insult." She tilted her head.
"Take it whichever way pleases you," he said, releasing her leg. He closed the jar and stood.
"You can't leave."
He looked down at her, features schooled to cool indifference. "Why not?"
"Because you aren't done with me." Her face was all innocence. Her eyes belied it. "Even basic healing recommends a balance." She lifted her other leg, foot making circles in the air.
"How careless of me." He reached across the bed and wrapped his fingers around her unmarked ankle.
She bent her other knee. "There, now you have room to sit."
He did as she asked, resting her legs on his lap as his fingers found knots and unraveled them. Her head dropped back, hair spilling over his pillows. He tore his gaze away and focused on her calf or tried to. Her robes had been pushed to her knees. He resisted the urge to push them up further.
"I like the way you touch me," she murmured.
"Do you?"
"Mmm. You can do that as long as you'd like." She wiggled closer.
His hand slid further up her leg, stroking the tension from her thigh. She sighed. He dutifully massaged the other one. She relaxed under his hands. His gaze traveled up her legs to where her robes bunched, just above the knee. He clenched his jaw and turned his head sharply.
His eyes strayed to the vile shape imprinted on her Achilles heel. It was no safer to look down than up. Or perhaps it was. He turned to speak to her but found words failed. Her eyes were closed, mouth parted slightly as her tongue ran over her bottom lip. The swiftness of his reaction surprised him. He shifted her leg so she would not know.
"There's something I can't figure out," she said softly.
"What is that?"
"Why you haven't kissed me yet."
His hands stilled.
"I would understand." She licked her lips again, hesitant. "If you didn't want me." Tension sprang back into her legs, undoing all his work. He dug his fingers in, a little more roughly than necessary. She groaned, hips tilting slightly, a different tension rising.
"Perhaps it is not yet time for such things." He went back to massaging her thighs.
"There's not much time left," she pointed out.
"I told you I would prefer it not be done in haste."
"I thought you were talking about the spell."
He smiled. "Did you? I thought you were brighter than that." His hands slid further up, gratified by her sharp intake of breath. "So, am I to understand that you want me to kiss you?"
"Of course I do."
"How long?" His fingers trailed down her thighs, stopping just short of her ankles.
"How long do I want you to kiss me?" She frowned.
"How long have you wanted me to?"
"Oh!" She blushed. "Since I figured out you weren't a bad man."
A low, dark laugh escaped him. "But I am, Hermione. You know that." He grabbed her legs and pulled her further down. "You find it exciting." He slipped his hand under her robes to find the truth of his assertion.
She gasped at the onslaught of his fingers and again when he stopped. He moved her legs off his lap and reached up, slowly unfastening her robes, pushing them aside to puddle around her. Her breathing quickened when he ran a thumb over the thin lace of her bra, her nipples puckering. He stood, holding her gaze as he unbuttoned his shirt and threw it on the chair. She freed her arms from her robes with a series of delightful wriggles, entirely without grace. He reached down and yanked them from under her, flipping her over in the process. He pressed her down when she tried to roll back.
"Stay there," he commanded. She nodded into the pillow.
He finished undressing and climbed onto the bed. She trembled slightly when he ran his hands over her back. "Isn't this the part where you say you should go?" he whispered.
She turned her head, looking at him out of the corner of her eye. "I don't want to."
"Don't want to what? Go?" He pushed her legs apart with his knee. "Or stay?"
"I want to... I want you to..." She swallowed.
He pressed against her. "I know you do. Say it."
"I want you. Please."
He traced her curves, hooking his fingers on her knickers and sliding them off. He pulled her to her knees, slipping his hand between her legs, exploring. He played her like an instrument, her low moans musical as she pushed back against him. He unhooked her bra, leaving her to discard it as he cupped her breasts in turn, nipples taut against his palm. When he withdrew his hand, she whimpered in protest.
He had thought it would be sufficient to know she would obey him. He needed more from her than submission, more than the joining of bodies. He lowered her to the bed.
She rolled over, eyes wide, trying very hard to control her breath. She was afraid not of what he might do, but that he might not do anything at all. He smiled.
"Now it is time." He lowered himself, capturing her mouth as he filled her. Her kiss was hungry, desperate. She grabbed his shoulders and arched against him. He broke the kiss and chuckled as she pulled his head down for more. He lost himself in the feel of her soft mouth, the way she ground her hips against him, demanding. He lifted his head and was amused by the petulant thrust of her lower lip.
One hand trailed over her breasts and down her stomach. With a frustrated growl, she bent her knees, feet flat, and thrust up against him. He pressed her back down into the mattress. She writhed underneath him, her frustration deepening to anger as he pulled back. As her eyes grew dark and fierce, he smiled.
"And now." He plunged into her, driven on by guttural cries, half-formed words pleading. For him. For release. For completion. He slid his hands under her and lifted her to meet his thrusts. Fingers locked on his arms, she opened herself fully. Desire, insistence, surrender all for him. It was finally enough. He brought her to the edge, holding her against him as she went over, crying out his name.
He rocked inside her, kissing her gently as her shaking subsided. She pushed against him, tentative. He responded in kind, relishing the feel of her warm, pliant, strong wanting to hold on to the moment forever, knowing he could not. She kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck as he came undone.
------------------
"I love you." It was the barest whisper, little more than a thought. She wondered if she'd spoken aloud.
"You don't mean that." He lay curled around her. His words stirred her hair.
She stroked his arm. "I do. There's nothing you can do except endure it."
"It is too dangerous."
"All love is dangerous, or it would hardly be worth the trouble."
"You know what I mean."
"Yes, I just don't agree with you."
"At least that is familiar." He chuckled.
"What are we going to do?" She closed her eyes, afraid to hear his answer.
"Endure." He pulled her closer. "And rest."
She sighed, relaxing against him, and fell asleep.
Story Actions
To follow, favorite, like, and more either log in or create an account.
Leave a Review
Log in to leave a review.
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. ;)