Descending into Obscurity
sbrande219 Reviews | 6.49/10 (219 Ratings, 0 Likes, 174 Favorites )
'I await your command, for I am yours to do with as you see fit.'
Winner of Action & Adventure Order of Merlin, Third Class in the Owl Awards 2009.
Lucius Malfoy, on orders from the Dark Lord, captures Hermione Granger to be held as his prisoner deep within the underground dungeons of his Manor. Can Harry and Ron carry on without the brains of their trio, or will Lord Voldemort prevail and take over the wizarding world?
Start ReadingChapters (25)
About sbrande
Author
sbrande
Member Since 2005 | 1 Story | Favorited by 61 | 100 Reviews Written | 373 Review Responses
Hi, I am a member of several SS/HG websites and have written my first fan fic, HG/SS of course! I am currently working on a Dark story, which shall be an epic of sorts.
I live in Australia with my two boys and plenty of dogs, and love reading anything involving SS/HG (don't we all). Cheers
Reviews for Descending into Obscurity
My goodness Hermione is having a rough go! Looking forward to her eventual rescue. How ever will they help her through the trauma? I am glad that she was cared for at the end of the chapter. Even if it was Lucius doing the comforting. I hope he gets a taste of his own medicine sometime... (and Draco too.)
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Oh Lucius will, don't you worry about that. Draco, well he will do an about face.Thank you for reading and leaving me a lovely review.Love Sonia :)
Draco gets a little too cocky. He is twisted in this story. Meanwhile Lucius is softening up a tiny bit. I could see Draco's character not being able to keep a secret. It's a good thing he thought up the suggestion for his father.
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Indeed. We shall see Draco do an about face in this story. Glad you are liking it so far.Love Sonia :)
I love the twisted and sometimes cruel ways in which you are taking this story! What I liked most about this chapter is that we finally get to know some of Hermione's thoughts, feelings and emotions when faced with her captivator. Please keep up the great work!
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Thank you! I shall try although RL is kicking my butt at present.Love Sonia :)
thanks, for this new chapter. Lucius playing good when he gets what he want. I hope that his demise is as painful as it comes.
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Yes exactly. Lucius can play nice, but on his terms only.
Thanking you for leaving a review.
love Sonia :)
Started this story this morning, and I'm hooked. :DHermione has been through so much already, Draco deserved the attitude adjustment he got! Odd behavior for Lucius - Stockholm Syndrome in reverse, maybe??? Or just saving his own butt??? Strange turn of events all the way around. I can't wait to read your solution to Lupin's demise.
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Thank you so very much for taking the time to read my story.
Lucius is at a loose of how to act when his slaves are willing. By this stage he has usually disposed of them and started on his next conquest. He is also, as you put it, saving his own butt, as Lucius is nothing if not resourceful.
Love Sonia :)
I hope Voldy nails Lucius and Draco for what they did -- can't have Lucius and Draco thinking they can fool the Dark Lord, and I would love to see Voldy give the blondes their own collars. As for Dumbledore, he is so not trustworthy, and I doubt he has a good plan to "kill" Lupin and save Severus. I'm just glad Harry is willing to learn from Severus; not having his wand is unthinkable. Thanks for the new chapter, babe!! 
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Not a problem. No, the DL shall not find out about Lucius' and Draco's little slip up. Don't worry though, as Lucius will pay... Hee, hee, hee. I have come to like him (O know, shock and horror) afterall, isn't he a product of his own insanity???
And Harry blew my mind when he said that he wanted to learn from Severus. I guess he really did grow up.
Loves you right on back love, Sonia :)
I am not the squeamish sort. I just thought I'd get that out in the open. first.That said, you've done an excellent job so far depicting the torture of Hermione, so good a job that I am literally disturbed by it.Making Lucius lose his precious control, that was a part that I was incredibly glad to see. He needed to be taken down a peg or two, anyway.I'm not quite so interested by what ever is going on with Harry or Ron at the castle. I don't know if you meant to do it, but they seem even whinier than usual, probably because they can't even begin to imagine what is going on with Hermione.That said, I applaud your tying up the loose end of her parents in such a way. You are the first author I've read to even address the issue of Crookshanks in the Hermione-gets-kidnapped scenario, and to do it while also addressing her parents, Bravo! (most just say they're dead and the cat's in the castle)I'm very interested to read further to see how Hermione becomes that perfectly submissive wretch you introduced in the first chapter. So I'll shut up and get to it then. I just needed this small breather... heh.
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Fab that you aren't squeamish at all. Kudo's too you :)
I know what you mean about Harry and Ron, and although they are boring to write I don't want to leave any loose ends in that regard.
I too want to know everything that goes on in regards to Hermione and her parents/Crookshanks, and am debating writing a little more about him, not that I'm a cat lover or anything.
I think Hermione is almost there in becoming the wretch that we saw in the first ch. Not too many ch's left until we come full circle.
That being said, I don't want to jinx myself and see this story go on forever.
Thank you for your lovely review!
Love Sonia :)
Response from Ravensblood (Reviewer)
I am tickled to see that you responded so quickly!Ah, I just finished the last chapter you have posted. Draco's a right little shit! You have simply amazed me with your ability to show the difference between Lucius's calm, cultured sadism and Draco's fledgeling fumblings. The collar and the subsequent markings are an intriguing addition. I am very much looking forward to what they will mean for the future. And I must tell you that I appreciate you showing the 'caring' side of the coin in Lucius's domination. Now that she's 'broken', it's a refreshing depiction that is often forgotten.About the moon dog: yikes! But I can see why you went there. It would have taken a powerful shock to break her out of her complacent rut from Lucius's point of view, and from the plot's perspective, also a necessity to get things moving along and provide the engine for her *awesome* unintentional shield charm--which Voldemort broke. Easily. (That part gave me the willies! He's one badass dude in your story!)And now, I am not irked at Harry any more. All of your characters are proving to be dynamic ('cept Dumbledore, Tom and Draco, who are too self-righteous and stubborn in any case to change. Just between you and me, I think that's why JK had to kill Dumbledore off. Too static!) I love the story. Yes it is dark and violent and depressing and squicky at times, but you never wallow, and none of it is purely gratuitous. You have a great thing going here! Wonderful momentum. Keep up the lovely work.
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Oh thank you so very much for your honesty. It is refreshing to get an in-depth reviewer that doesn't just say. 'Love it. More Please.' LOL.
I am so happy that you saw the Moon Dog for what it was.
Draco shall change in my story, as he realises that the D.E. are wrong on so many levels and will go to see Severus about it.
Still have a bit that I want to add to the story before the Final Battle.
Love Sonia :)
Happy for the new chapter, thank-you. Still enjoying the story as ever. Interesting move on Lucius' part . . . but then never think you know everything there is to know about a death-eater, yes? Looking forward to more . . . Glad you had a safe trip to the US. Thanks again 
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
This is so very true. I am a little perplexed myself at Lucius' change of heart, but I figure he's already broken her and if she weren't as important to the DL, he would have disposed of her already. So he has never had the opportunity to have a willing slave at his beck and call.
Love Sonia :)
Happy for the new chapter, thank-you. Still enjoying the story as ever. Interesting move on Lucius' part . . . but then never think you know everything there is to know about a death-eater, yes? Looking forward to more . . . Glad you had a safe trip to the US. Thanks again
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Thanks babe. There is no way we know everything there is to know about DE's as JK didn't write all that much really about their private lives, so I am filling in the gaps.It is so much warmer here in Alabama instead of Australia, atm, and I am enjoying the sun.Left an unfinished ch 18 with my beta which she will read over whilst I am gone for the month.Love Sonia :)
Well Draco is a real shit now isn't he. Lucius caring that is hard to swallow but I will wait and see before I pass judgment on him. I know real life sucks at times but I will not abandon you or this story.
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Thank you so very much. You don't know how much this review means to me :)And yes, Lucius is a bit of a tough character to follow at times.Love Sonia :)
How sad, hopefully things will improve for Hermione. She will have a rough road to travel to learn who she is again and she will never be the same young lady.
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Yes I know, and I too doubt she will ever be the same.Love Sonia :)
I'm sure Albus will come up with something to save both of their skins. Perhaps Drought of Living Death and hiding?
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Close, but no prize I'm afriad to say ;)Thanks for the review, and I trust you are continuing to enjoy my story.Love Sonia :)
I like the story so far, looking forward to the rest of it.
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Thanks babe for leaving a review. More soon.Love Sonia :)
scarey, so scarey. thanks so much
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
You think? Gee thanks I guess.
Love Sonia :)
Voldemort is more of a spider than a snake, to me. Poor Severus is constantly put in near impossible positions.
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
He is kind of both to me. I know what you mean about Severus though. Poor man indeed.Thank you for reviewing.Love Sonia :)
What? What is happening?! You have to finish this story so poor saps like me know what will happen to Hermione!
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
The next chapter is waiting in queue as I type this to you, so never fear my dearest.Love Sonia :)
what an incredibly powerful story. i am curious to see where you are going with it. thanks so much
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Why thank you so very much for this beautiful review.
I know where I am headed, just not quite sure how to get there.
Love Sonia :)
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Why thank you so very much for this beautiful review.
I know where I am headed, just not quite sure how to get there.
Love Sonia :)
I'm hoping for her to be saved if you are interested.
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Of course I am interested, and of course she will be saved. If you go back and read the first chapter that is our Hermione that Severus and Remus find.
Love Sonia :)
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Of course I am interested, and of course she will be saved. If you go back and read the first chapter that is our Hermione that Severus and Remus find.
Love Sonia :)
So, here's your review. I really don't want to get to know your whips intimately. LOL!Another well written chapter, sis! I'm sure it wasn't easy to write though.Lucius' decision for a more psychological approach sounds more disturbing than his physical tortures. Poor Hermione!
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Oh believe me it shall be ;)Thank you sis for the review, and the next chapter won't be so messy... PROMISE.Love Sonia :)
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Oh believe me it shall be ;)Thank you sis for the review, and the next chapter won't be so messy... PROMISE.Love Sonia :)
My, goodness! This is by far the most disturbing fanfic I've ever read, so much so that I seriously thought I'd be unable to continue. It's well written, though, so I skim through it. What I like about it is the realism and effectiveness. I can't imagine what such torture is like, let along write about it; but I can feel what it's like by reading your story. In the regard, it's excellent writing. Question: Why hasn't Severus learned that Hermione is still alive? Keep up the good work (though I still hope that you get through the torture part of this story sooner rather than later).
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Thanking you for your lovely words of praise. I know this story isn't for everyone and that is why I have warnings at the beginning of chapters that I think would be hard to read.
The Dark Lord asked (well really told) Lucius to keep it to himself, and as Lucius doesn't want to be Crucio'd to within an inch of his life, he decided to do as he was told. I do hope this clears up your question. I believe it was in ch 2.
Thank you for leaving a review, it is appreciated.
Love Sonia :)
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Thanking you for your lovely words of praise. I know this story isn't for everyone and that is why I have warnings at the beginning of chapters that I think would be hard to read.
The Dark Lord asked (well really told) Lucius to keep it to himself, and as Lucius doesn't want to be Crucio'd to within an inch of his life, he decided to do as he was told. I do hope this clears up your question. I believe it was in ch 2.
Thank you for leaving a review, it is appreciated.
Love Sonia :)
I had planned on coming back to this story closer to her rescue. Obviously, my will power didn't hold out and I came back a little sooner than I had planned. I never quite know how to review stories with sexual violence. It seems so odd to say good chapter, even though that was a very good chapter. I love that Harry didn't believe him and walked out of the office. How long until he and Snape start to feel each other out? What about the other members of the Order? I can't see them accepting this blindly-- at least to the point of being able to lie convincingly to Harry.
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
You can say stuff like the fact that it was well written, sureal, frightening, the list just keeps on coming... LOL! Sorry.
Haven't thought about the other Order members yet... Hmmm, I don't want this story to get too complex.... I'll have to have a good think about it. Oh, and Harry and Severus will become friends (well not quite) in approx 2 weeks - a months time.
Thanks for your honest review.
Love Sonia :)
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
You can say stuff like the fact that it was well written, sureal, frightening, the list just keeps on coming... LOL! Sorry.
Haven't thought about the other Order members yet... Hmmm, I don't want this story to get too complex.... I'll have to have a good think about it. Oh, and Harry and Severus will become friends (well not quite) in approx 2 weeks - a months time.
Thanks for your honest review.
Love Sonia :)
oooohhhhhh it is getting gooooooooooodFoofie
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
LOL! You crack me up. Your review is a breath of fresh air after all the serious reviews I have gotten.
Thanking you my dearest heart!
Love Sonia :)
Response from foofie (Reviewer)
your welcome. i aim to please.Foofie
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Thanks once more.
Love Sonia :)
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
LOL! You crack me up. Your review is a breath of fresh air after all the serious reviews I have gotten.
Thanking you my dearest heart!
Love Sonia :)
Response from foofie (Reviewer)
your welcome. i aim to please.Foofie
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Thanks once more.
Love Sonia :)
AK is too good for Malfoy and Dumbledore. They make me so mad. That said, I feel for Hermione. She is in for a very rough time. Lucius' psychological torture isn't going to be a picnic either. *sigh* I'm glad Harry isn't going to give up, too bad he and Snape aren't teamed up together to find her. I can see Hermione messing with Malfoy's mind, though. Maybe not intentionally at first. You have a great story going and I am enjoying reading it.
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Why thank you so very much. Don't worry as Harry and Severus will team up eventually but... Ahhhh, I can't give to much away. Let me just tell you that you will absolutely loathe Albus (if you don't already) after the next chapter ;)Hermione is reacting like anyone who has been raped and tortured are prone to acting. I am really trying to convey her sense of aloneness, despair and self loathing. Please tell me if I am off the mark at all.Thanking you for your review.love sonia :)
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Why thank you so very much. Don't worry as Harry and Severus will team up eventually but... Ahhhh, I can't give to much away. Let me just tell you that you will absolutely loathe Albus (if you don't already) after the next chapter ;)Hermione is reacting like anyone who has been raped and tortured are prone to acting. I am really trying to convey her sense of aloneness, despair and self loathing. Please tell me if I am off the mark at all.Thanking you for your review.love sonia :)
What pains me most is the knowledge that there actually are people capable of such - and even worse - horrors. I still hope that she will be rescued eventually.
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Oh of course there are. Human nature is such that they are atrocities committed in even corner of the globe on a daily basis.
She will be rescued eventually, but she won't be the same Hermione that we all know.
Thank you for the review.
Love Sonia :)
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
Oh of course there are. Human nature is such that they are atrocities committed in even corner of the globe on a daily basis.
She will be rescued eventually, but she won't be the same Hermione that we all know.
Thank you for the review.
Love Sonia :)
That was very hard to read, very gory. I do hope there will be more action than just account after account of her being tortured, or is that the whole point of the story? The psychological deteroration of Hermione and Lucius as he plays this torture game? It sounds from the first chapter that she had been broken and had Stockholm Syndrome.Livvy
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
No. I just had to have a rape and torture scene in my story and tried to make them as believable a possible. It clearly worked, which is fantastic to me as a writer. (well a beginner writer anyway ;))It's not Stockholm Syndrome that she is suffering from, I don't want to give too much of my story away though.There is just one more scene that I have to get through (the whole reason behind the collar) and then the graphic nature of this fic shall be done. I think that this scene has been the hardest for me to write (and I haven't finished it yet) and I trust it shall be the hardest for you and my readers, to read.Thank you for the review.Love Sonia :)
Response from sbrande (Author of Descending into Obscurity)
No. I just had to have a rape and torture scene in my story and tried to make them as believable a possible. It clearly worked, which is fantastic to me as a writer. (well a beginner writer anyway ;))It's not Stockholm Syndrome that she is suffering from, I don't want to give too much of my story away though.There is just one more scene that I have to get through (the whole reason behind the collar) and then the graphic nature of this fic shall be done. I think that this scene has been the hardest for me to write (and I haven't finished it yet) and I trust it shall be the hardest for you and my readers, to read.Thank you for the review.Love Sonia :)