Equilibrium
Chapter 16 of 16
MelenkaThe condition where the net force on an object is zero. The state where all involved aspects are balanced. Equalization, Osmosis. Harmony, perhaps.
Hermione had no idea how long she wandered through the garden. Her head was full of white noise. She found herself back in the clearing, the last place she wanted to be. It was obvious Severus was not going to come after her. I don't want him to. She shook her head at the thought. She couldn't even lie to herself.
As she turned, determined to go back to the house and have the argument she should have had the courage to start earlier, she glanced down. On the table by the bench was a small, wooden mouse, tail curled around its feet. She picked it up, caressing the perfect smoothness which for the briefest moment felt like fur. Another gift. She tucked it in her pocket and walked slowly back down the path.
Hurling the vase at Severus had used up the rest of her borrowed magic. She could feel its loss. She was no longer a vessel for Sirius' magic. She would not be the whipping girl for Severus's doubt, either. She was just Hermione, and that would have to do.
She stood in the kitchen, empty of all signs of him. Even the mouse hole was gone. Crookshanks paced back and forth, stopping at the place the hole should have been. She smiled sadly at the final gift. She sat at the table, head resting on her arms. The time for reflection had passed. It would come again later.
The front door burst open, spilling far too many people into the house, all talking at once. The older members of the Order filtered into the library and closed the door. Hermione straightened, plastering a smile on her face as she turned to greet her friends.
"Hermione!" Ginny rushed in, pulling her up and wrapping her in a huge hug. "Oh, it's good to see you. I can't believe you left me to deal with those boys alone."
"I knew you could manage," Hermione said, noting how Harry had not taken his eyes off of Ginny. He hasn't told her he's leaving.
"Didn't die of boredom, I see." Harry smiled at her, but it didn't reach his eyes.
"No. I kept myself busy." The first half-truth slipped from her lips easily.
"Doing what?" Ron asked, looking around.
"Research, mostly. I spent some time fixing up the garden. It wasn't so bad here." The second set of evasions was easier. "Not nearly as much fun as you lot had, I'll bet."
They launched into the retelling of every match. Hermione let the words flow over her, nodding in the right places. It was effortless; she'd been doing it for years. She sensed the tension they were trying to hide. Things would be hard enough for them soon. A few moments of pure childish joy were warranted.
"Now all we have is the dreadful wedding, and then back to school," Ginny whispered.
Hermione nodded. "It could be worse," she whispered back. The boys were arguing about a referee call and did not hear the exchange.
Ginny slipped away, taking her things to the room they would share. Hermione followed, having no desire to watch Harry and Ron come to blows, but made it only as far as the hall. Arthur Weasley motioned to her.
"A word, Hermione?"
She followed him down the hall and into an empty room.
"How is Sirius?" He kept his voice low.
"Gone." It may have been the shortest answer she'd ever given an adult.
"Gone? Gone where?" Arthur shifted nervously.
"I have no idea."
"But..." He looked about wildly, as if something in the room could help him understand. "Oh dear. They won't like that."
"Who won't?" She tensed.
"Those who know of his return." Arthur focused on her. "Was he... was he well? How did he look?"
"Much like he used to, I suppose. I didn't really know him that well before, so I couldn't say." She hid her shock at how natural it felt to tell the truth and yet say nothing.
"Did he tell you why he was leaving?"
"Yes." She swallowed for a moment, glad for the dimness of the room. "He said 'Because I must.' I didn't really understand it. Was I supposed to stop him? I wasn't told to keep him here, just to see to his needs." I did that, at least. She dropped her head to hide her unexpected smile.
"No, no. We should have left someone more experienced to keep you company."
Had that; didn't help. She was approaching hysterical laughter. She covered her face with her hands to silence it, her shoulders shaking.
He patted her shoulder. "Don't be so hard on yourself, my dear."
"I'm sorry I let him go. Truly, I am. He said it was necessary." She let him think she still spoke of Sirius. She lifted her head, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.
"It's not your fault." He sighed. "There's nothing to be done for it."
She nodded, wanting nothing more than to escape the room and the house full of memories.
Arthur paused, hand on the doorknob. "You won't say a word to Harry? About Sirius, I mean."
"I won't tell him anything he shouldn't know," she promised.
"There's a good girl." Arthur smiled at her. "You'd best rest up. We've still got the wedding before you return to Hogwarts."
"Mr. Weasley? Do you suppose I'll have time to get Bill and Fleur a gift?"
"I'm not sure. There's not much time. What were you thinking?"
"I thought I'd buy a French Press. It's a Muggle device to make coffee. I learned about it in America of all places." She laughed. "There's a shop I know. It wouldn't take more than a few minutes, I promise."
"What a delightful idea! I'm sure they would love it. I'll just mention the need for a side trip to the others." Arthur wandered back down the hall and disappeared into the library.
Hermione sagged against the wall. She had passed the first real test. She took a few moments to gather her wits.
"I think it will stand by itself," Ron said from the doorway, keeping a comfortable distance between them.
"I should go pack." She pushed off the wall.
"Hermione?" He paused, licking his lips. "We're all right, yeah?"
"We're fine, Ron." She dropped her voice. "As fine as we will be until they figure out what we're about."
"Still planning to go back to Hogwarts first?"
"I wanted to, but I don't think I could get away if I did. We can talk about it once we're back in The Burrow."
He nodded and left.
She climbed the stairs, anxious about what she would find. She had no idea in what state she'd left the room.
The door was open. Hermione gaped at the perfectly neat bed, the tidy stack of clothes, the tightly closed wardrobe. A house-elf could not have done a better job. Severus had removed all trace of her time there, an intimate act resulting in absence. She wondered how much that had cost him.
Ginny was at the dressing table, looking through the makeup bag. She jumped when Hermione came in.
"Oh! I didn't mean to..." Ginny blushed. "Sorry. I shouldn't have gone through your bag, but it was open and, well, it's just so interesting."
"Feel free. I doubt I'll have much use for it after the wedding. It takes so long to get it right, and I've no patience for it. I don't know how American girls manage."
"There are plenty of witches who use the stuff," Ginny said, "though I've never seen quite so much in one place."
"We had a little shopping trip in Boston, a sort of welcome to America party." Hermione shrugged. "I have all sorts of things I never thought I'd use."
Ginny slapped her forehead. "Some friends we are! Didn't even ask how your trip was. Will you tell me all about it?"
"It's a fairly long and dreadful story. Can I save it until the wedding madness is over? I doubt either one of us will have the time once we get back to The Burrow." Hermione flopped on the bed.
"Ugh. Don't remind me." Ginny grimaced. "At least tell me if you had a good time."
"There were moments. I learned a few things mostly that I don't want to study in America." Hermione grinned.
Ginny's eyes opened wide. "Is that a tattoo?"
Stifling a curse, Hermione sat up. "It was a spur of the moment thing. I shouldn't have gotten it."
"I think it's beautiful."
"So did I, but now I have to live with it for the rest of my life. I suppose regret is common after doing something reckless." Hermione looked at the design that lay twisted and quiet on her ankle. "I'll get used to it in time."
"It's amazing the things you can get used to." Ginny smiled.
"It really is," Hermione said softly, her fingers running over the wooden mouse in her pocket. "Now tell me about what you did this week."
Late into the night, Ginny told Hermione all the things she had discovered about love and the difficulties of dealing with two boys in the same tent.
--------------------
Clouds scuttled across the moon, making the night dimmer. Sirius waited, leaning against the crumbling brick wall. His new motorcycle was little more than a shadow, black against the black night. He wanted nothing more than to get on it and disappear, but there was no point in starting a chase that could end only one way.
A slight crack accompanied a subtle change in the air. Most people would have missed it. Severus had always been good at approaching quietly. Sirius stood, hands in his pockets, no need for useless gestures.
"That didn't take long."
"You made sure of that," Severus said, maintaining his distance.
"I'd thought it would take you a bit longer to figure it out. My mistake, underestimating you."
"An error that could cost you your life."
"Are you here to kill me?" The clouds parted, bathing them in silver light. "It's not quite time."
"I came for an explanation, which you will give me. Now."
"What shall I explain to you?" Sirius smiled.
"No more games," Severus growled.
"They're all I have, or hadn't you realized that?"
"She is not one of your toys."
"No," Sirius said softly, "she never was."
"And yet you play with her very life. Do you know what will happen to her, to all of us, if she is captured with that thing emblazoned on her flesh?"
"So that's how it happened," Sirius mused. "I suppose that makes sense."
Severus advanced, wand clutched tightly in his fist. "You made her a target."
"She was already in their sights. She's been Harry's friend since they met, his fierce defender and protector, even when she thought he was being an ass. She is the quintessential brave and foolish Gryffindor."
"You made her more valuable to them. If they capture her, they will torture her, and she will reveal the spell."
"There was always a chance they would find her and do as you said. If that happens, she will need that spell to bargain her way to safety."
Severus ground his teeth. "If she gives it to them, they will kill her, and the war will be lost in a single stroke."
"Ah, there's where you're wrong. She's the only one who truly understands that spell. They'll need her to do it. I'm sure you'll try to aid her. Knowing something of the spell will help. That will fill two of the necessary three parts."
"And you will ride to the rescue to fill the third position, sacrificing yourself and dooming the world in the process. How very noble and stupid of you."
"If I were to do that, I would release all my magic at once, and we would all die. Hardly an appealing scenario, though as a last resort it does have dramatic appeal." Sirius grinned, then shook his head. "It won't matter who holds the third spot. Well, it won't matter to you or Hermione, at least."
Severus raised one eyebrow. "And why is that?"
"Did the spell change shape and alignment?" Sirius asked.
"Yes." Severus frowned. "I believe the attempt to destroy it warped it somehow."
"Logical, but false. I changed the spell, just a little bit."
"In what way?"
"I have left love to you, Severus. And despite our knowledge and experience, intellect was always Hermione's. The greatest of the three elements in the spell is now power." Magic bled from Sirius as he spoke. With an irritated shrug, he tamped it down.
"I fail to see how that protects us."
"The power in that spell is based on chaos the sort that defines me now. It's tuned to me. I will know the moment it awakens. I will swallow it whole, and in the process destroy whoever sought to wield it. It will be up to you to get her out of there before the backlash hits." Sirius paused. "The war will end in one stroke, but not the way they expect. I would rather neither of you be there when that happens."
"If I am not there to assist her, what then?"
"Then love will not protect whoever holds the second place, and she will have to find her own way out. I suggest you tell her that. You might also consider telling her that you love her, or at the very least admit it to yourself. It will be stronger if you both know the truth."
"This is madness," Severus protested. "You have no way of knowing it will work."
"Yes, I do." Sirius closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "It's why they sent me back. If Harry is unable to do what is necessary, I was to be the failsafe." When he opened his eyes, they were almost black.
Severus stepped back. "Your magic would destroy you in the process."
"Yes. And everything in its path."
"You could not have known she would create the spell."
"No, but I knew its true purpose as soon as she finished it. It is my end, for good this time."
"And if she remains free, and Potter is able to triumph on his own?"
"Then I am also free. Until they find a way to send me back beyond the veil. Trust me, they will find a way. I've known from the beginning that I'm living on borrowed time. I'm too dangerous to be left to my own devices for very long."
"Which is why you made me your failsafe."
Sirius nodded.
"So I take it you will not be going far."
"Not until this war ends, one way or another." Sirius tilted his head, smiling. "Don't worry that I'll interfere with Harry. I wouldn't make him suffer losing me twice. Nor Hermione. Only you will have that pleasure."
"Which I shall take willingly."
Sirius laughed. "I don't believe that, and neither do you. After all, when I'm gone, who will be left for you to hate?" Sirius swung his leg over the bike, gunned the engine, and roared off, as free as he would ever be.
"Only myself," Severus whispered. "And I shall simply have to get over that." He could think of only one way he might manage it and wondered if she would consent. He turned on his heel and walked down the street, embracing hope for the first time in his life.
A/N: At last, we come to an end. Thanks to the ladies who pushed me down this path and all those who have come with me.
The end of this story dovetails into DH, ignoring the flight of the many Harrys and going straight to the wedding preparations.
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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. ;)