Resultant
Chapter 15 of 16
MelenkaAn object pulled from three different ways does not disintegrate but is pulled in one direction depending on the strength by with it is pulled.
Hermione awoke alone, blinking several times until she remembered where she was. She was grateful he was not there to see her blush. She stretched, got out of bed, and briefly contemplated walking back to her room naked. It was absurd to be embarrassed at this point, but propriety won out. Casting around for her clothes, she found them piled neatly on the chair. When she got downstairs, Severus was at the table, reading. A sense of comfort and normalcy swept over her. This is how it's supposed to be. The chances of things working out as they should were slim. She made coffee, then leaned against the counter, watching him while it brewed.
Going back to school and pretending her life had not changed drastically would be difficult. There was another option, one both Ron and Harry had encouraged her to take before they left for the World Cup. She closed her eyes and sighed, desire giving way to practicality. She would not be returning to Hogwarts after all.
Crookshanks sauntered in and rubbed against her leg. She reached down to pet him and froze. Hanging from his mouth was a mouse tail. She stared at it in horror. The tail twitched. She reached for the cat, but he dodged, leaving her with a clump of fur in her hand. She lunged after him. As Crookshanks raced past the table, Severus reached down and grabbed him by the scruff of the neck. Severus smacked the cat on the back of the head. Crookshanks yowled, and the mouse popped out. Hermione dove for it as Severus carried a hissing Crookshanks to the door and tossed him out into the garden.
Hermione let the mouse up. He seemed to be unharmed, though he shook uncontrollably. She sympathized. She reached up to the table without looking, found a slice of toast and dropped pieces of it in a trail back to the hole in the wall. The mouse cautiously picked up the first piece, then continued to stuff his mouth full as he staggered back to safety.
Hermione turned to Severus. "Thank you."
"For interrupting the course of nature?" He left out anything else for which she might thank him.
"It's silly, but I've grown fond of that mouse."
"I have noticed." The barest smile graced his lips. She leaned in and kissed him lightly. His response was less chaste, leaving her breathless, hands clutching his shirt.
He uncurled her fingers and stepped away. "It seems I've finished my breakfast." The table was a mess of crumbs and egg.
"Sorry about that. I'll make you more."
"Don't bother. When you've ingested enough of that vile brew, join me in the library. We've one more thing to accomplish before I leave."
"You're going today?" Her voice pitched higher than usual. He slid the paper across the table. The World Cup was in its final match.
"It seems I must."
"You're holding me to the bargain, then?" She had hoped he would let it go.
"It is necessary." He left her to clean up.
--------------------
Severus sat at the desk, tracing a pattern on the polished surface. He rubbed it out with his sleeve when Hermione walked in, clutching her coffee cup like a talisman.
"Have a seat, Miss Granger." He was once again the professor.
She arched an eyebrow. "A bit formal, all things considered."
"As it will be from now on."
"Forever?"
"I doubt we will get the chance to test forever. All things considered."
"You never know. Some things endure." A chair moved across the room, coming to rest behind her. She sat, waiting for him to say something.
"I see you don't need my instruction after all." There was a thread of anger under his calm words.
"I rather imagine you have a great deal to teach me." She set her cup on the desk.
"Should I get the chance." The escalating war hung between them, another obstacle to what might be.
"Well then, you can start by counseling me on this." She pulled her knee up, setting her foot on the edge of the large chair.
He could not avoid looking at the spell. Not even her shapely legs could distract him. He remained silent.
"This is where you show me your vast knowledge," she prompted. "And tell me what I'm supposed to do with an incredibly dangerous spell boldly displayed on my flesh."
"Nothing."
"I'm sorry. I don't think I heard you properly." The barest trace of anger escaped her attempt at control.
"There is nothing you can do. The spell is too dangerous to remove and apparently unwilling to be destroyed." He kept his suspicions on why that was to himself.
"It doesn't have a will of its own." An undertone of fear crept in.
"It would seem you are mistaken." He could give her no clues, no hope. Under his gaze, her attempts to remain calm frayed.
"So you can't do anything about it." She hugged her knee.
"No. Nor would I try." His gentle tone could not soften the truth.
"So I'm stuck with this thing that you fear could destroy our world."
"As I said before, it is unlikely to be recognized for what it is. The spell is unknown, and the sketch you made to bind the parts has warped into its current shape." He didn't know what the changes meant, but he was hardly going to admit that.
"Someone will notice it. What do I do then?"
"I suggest you lie." A smile threatened.
"That's it? That's your wise counsel?" She looked at him, eyes hard. "I am known to be one of the worst liars in the history of liars. How do you propose I keep my mouth shut about something I can't escape?"
"On closer inspection, it appears to be Odin's horns. You could suggest you got it while drunk."
Her only reply was an indelicate snort.
"If not that, then find a more appealing tale. I am sure you can devise one."
"Oh, well, that's all right then." She rolled her eyes. "If you're sure, it can't be any other way."
"Have I ever expressed confidence in your ability to do anything?"
"Not that I can remember."
"Then perhaps you might find it in yourself to believe you are capable of doing this." He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Especially as you will be in mortal danger if you tell anyone the real story, and you will damn them in the process."
"Lovely." She ground her teeth. "I can't lie, and I can't tell the truth. The only way I can think to avoid questions is to go off on my own, like Sirius did."
A chill ran down his spine. "That would not be advisable. You possess neither his power nor his skill. He is experienced at running away. You avoid it at all costs."
"At least I know you still think me inept in most areas. That's comfortingly familiar. So my only option is to pretend that this is nothing more than a simple tattoo."
"Until such time as I or you devise a way to remove it, yes."
"Bloody hell," she muttered. "And if I am unable to do that?"
"Then I expect that the hunt for you will begin immediately and end swiftly. You are still an underage witch "
She cut him off. "Which, as we know, is little deterrence." She let the words hang for a moment, her eyes steady on his. "Providing I am willing to risk expulsion. And I proved that I am by doing the spell in the first place."
"My point, Miss Granger, is that you are easily found. It was not your magic that was masked. What we did in the garden was too strong for them to have picked out your signature, so you were in no danger of expulsion. Running about using your magic alone would be incredibly stupid, something I have never thought you to be. There are those, even within the Ministry, who would delight in capturing you for any number of reasons."
His implication was not lost on her. She swallowed heavily. "I thought you would be able to help me."
"I will do what I can, but the safest course of action is for you to return to Hogwarts. You will be protected there."
"Like I have been from the beginning? From trolls and basilisks? From evil wizards and small-minded bigots who would like nothing more than to kill the little Mudblood?" she spat. "From the Ministry itself? Oh, yes, Hogwarts is so very safe. I wonder that I ever believed it."
"Safer than being on your own, with no protective spells, no teachers to watch out for you, no friends to come to your aid." His patience was slipping. "You have no idea the sort of people you would face, never knowing if the kind old woman who offers you aid will hex you, bind you, deliver you to your enemies."
"No matter what I do, I am well and truly fucked," she growled.
He started at her uncharacteristic language. "We will find a solution. But in order to do that, you need to go back to Hogwarts. I will need to know where you are."
"Wasted that spell on Sirius, didn't we?"
"What do you mean?" He grew quiet.
"Did you think it only worked one way?" Her laugh was sharp, bitter. "I'm too clever for that, Severus. Just as you can find Sirius no matter where he is, he can find you. That's what you did when you two decided I was too young to know what I was about."
"Were you planning to tell me?" he asked, hands stiff on the arms of the chair.
"Yes, which is more courtesy than either of you showed me. You thought you knew what was best, despite having no bloody idea what I intended. If you'd left well enough alone, I would have been able to find you both, and you would have been able to find me. It would have been stronger with him, because I thought he needed me to help him control the magic, fool that I was." She snorted. "But I would have been able to locate you, as well. It would have been far harder, only a residual signature instead of a beacon, but it would have been possible. And it would have been mutual."
"Blast it all!" he roared. "Why did you not tell us?"
"Because I was afraid you would act exactly as you did." She shook her head. "You're right. There's nothing to be done about any of it." She rose. "I'm going to go pack." She took a single step.
"Stop!" The word was cracked like a whip.
She turned to regard him. "I have to get ready for school. You wouldn't want me to be unprepared, would you?" Her reply sank into him like acid.
"There is the little matter of our bargain."
"You haven't punished me enough?"
"I hardly think it punishment, though that can be arranged." There was nothing but darkness in his tone.
She blinked, then straightened under his glare. "I'll pass," she said.
"Wise choice." He was secretly impressed with both her attempt to escape their agreement and her willingness to stand against him. There is hope for her yet. "Sit. This won't take long."
She obeyed, albeit grudgingly. "Is it going to hurt?"
"No, but it may cause some discomfort." He expected she would find that out as soon as her friends returned.
"All right, then. Let's get to it. What do I need to do?"
"Listen." He waited until she met his gaze. "I will tell you the question. You will say absolutely nothing until I have finished. You will not answer it until I ask it again, at a time of my choosing. Are you prepared to do that?"
She nodded.
"What did you do on your summer break?"
The color drained from her face. Her lips parted as if to speak, then closed again as he glowered at her.
"You will answer anyone else who asks you this question with vague generalities. You will never mention what has gone on this week, save to say that Sirius left and you don't know where he went. That much is true." He knew the cruelty of that statement, used it to harden her further against the men who had stolen her youth. "And when you answer me, it will be with the complete truth. Do you understand and agree?"
She nodded, her mouth set with anger.
He lifted his wand. "Narro verum illae tantum volo. Speak the truth of this only to me."
She flinched as the geis took hold, but she did not look away from him.
He sat back. "You may speak."
"You bastard!" She shoved the chair back as she stood.
"Did you expect anything less of me? You agreed to the terms of our bargain."
"I didn't expect you to insult me." She crossed her arms over her chest.
He said nothing.
"Translating? Really, Severus, that was uncalled for."
He tried very hard not to laugh but failed. Her eyes narrowed. He had a second to realize that she didn't need a wand before a crystal vase flew at his head. He flicked his wand to deflect it, letting it shatter against the wall.
"A bit childish, don't you think?"
"An appropriate response, all things considered." She turned and stomped out. He waited until he heard the garden door slam before repairing the damage done as much of it as could be repaired with a spell. He would have to live with the rest.
--------------------
Hermione stalked through the garden. She knew why he had done it. She really was a terrible liar. The geis would protect them all, and no one would be the wiser. Only she would know everything that had happened in that dreadful house. She stopped, hand clasped over her mouth so she did not scream at the ramifications of his question. Only she would know until she told him absolutely everything. She had ended the summer the way she had begun it. A complete idiot.
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. ;)